Our Summary

This research paper discusses the development and use of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques over the past two decades. These techniques aim to reduce harm to the patient by preserving muscle, reducing blood loss, and limiting pain. Recently, these techniques have been applied to spinal stabilization procedures, known as minimally invasive spine stabilization (MISt). Some methods include percutaneous pedicle screws fixation, lateral lumbar interbody fusion, and cervical total disc replacement.

While these procedures are generally more cost-effective and less painful compared to traditional surgery, they do have some drawbacks. These include the technical difficulty of the procedures, the cost of training and equipment, and the risk of radiation exposure. Because of these limitations, non-surgical treatments might be a better option.

The researchers propose the concept of minimally invasive spinal treatment (MIST) as a new approach to treating spine-related conditions. This would involve not just surgical techniques but also other aspects of care like prevention, rehabilitation, and conservative treatments. The aim is to make medicine “minimally invasive” in every sense, benefiting patients, medical staff, hospital management, nurses, and the economics of healthcare.

FAQs

  1. What is minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and how has it evolved over the past two decades?
  2. What are some of the drawbacks of minimally invasive spine stabilization (MISt) techniques?
  3. What is the proposed concept of minimally invasive spinal treatment (MIST) and how does it differ from current methods?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about spinal surgery is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the medical team. This can include things like proper wound care, physical therapy exercises, and restrictions on certain activities to ensure a successful recovery. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise. By following these guidelines, patients can help optimize their outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for spinal surgery include those with severe back or neck pain that is not relieved by non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections. Patients with spinal deformities, spinal instability, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal tumors may also be candidates for surgery. Additionally, patients who experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in their arms or legs due to nerve compression may benefit from spinal surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist to determine if surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before spinal surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms of their spinal condition, such as chronic back pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs, or difficulty walking. They may undergo various diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to determine the cause of their symptoms. After consulting with a spine specialist, a decision is made to proceed with surgery.

During the surgery, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin to access the spine. The damaged or degenerated disc or bone is removed, and the spine is stabilized using screws, rods, or cages. The muscles surrounding the spine are preserved as much as possible to minimize damage.

After the surgery, the patient may experience pain and discomfort at the incision site, as well as muscle stiffness or weakness. Physical therapy is often recommended to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the spine. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Overall, the goal of spinal surgery is to alleviate the patient’s symptoms, improve their quality of life, and prevent further damage to the spine. With advancements in minimally invasive techniques, patients can expect a faster recovery time, less post-operative pain, and a reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal surgery include:

  1. What specific type of spinal surgery is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of pain relief and improved function?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, what will that involve?
  9. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to prevent further spine issues?

It is important for patients to have a thorough understanding of the surgical procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes before making a decision about spinal surgery. Patients should feel comfortable asking their doctor any questions they may have and discussing any concerns or uncertainties.

Reference

Authors: Ishii K, Watanabe G, Tomita T, Nikaido T, Hikata T, Shinohara A, Nakano M, Saito T, Nakanishi K, Morimoto T, Isogai N, Funao H, Tanaka M, Kotani Y, Arizono T, Hoshino M, Sato K. Journal: Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Aug 18;58(8):1123. doi: 10.3390/medicina58081123. PMID: 36013590