Spine Surgery
Spine surgery using minimally invasive allows speedy reintegration of the patient as it is performed through small incisions.
The spine consists of 26 bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect the spinal cord and let you stand and lean.
Unlike conventional or open surgery, minimally invasive surgery for the spine allows for quick reintegration of the patient into their daily activities, as it is performed through small incisions through which special teams are entered for the Procedure . These special teams can consist of tubular retractors and endoscopes.
There are several conditions that can alter the structure of the spine or injure the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. Among them:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Tumors
- Diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis
- Bone changes that occur with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated discs.
Tubular retractors are special tubes inserted from the skin to the vertebrae through one or more incisions in the skin that are 3 or 4 inches long and for separating and retract progressively and delicately muscles and soft tissues without to cut; thereby minimizing damage to tissue.
Once you have placed the tubular retractor, the surgeon uses special instruments and microsurgical techniques for the surgical procedure through the tube, which may include nerve decompression, remove herniated discs, bone grafts or prostheses as screws, rods , etc. as required.
Treatments of minimally invasive spine:
- Endoscopy for herniated disc
- percutaneous Nucleoplasty
- percutaneous Discography
- Rhizolisis or percutaneous facet neurolysis
- Vertebroplasty / Xifoplastía percutaneous
- ligamentoplasty
- Instrumentation with pedicle screws with minimal invasion
The other option for minimally invasive surgery in the spine is endoscopically. Endoscopes are very thin tubes containing a camera and light source are introduced from the skin to the vertebrae by one or more incisions measuring 1 inch long.
The endoscope allows an internal view of the spine of the patient and the surgeon views the surgery through a monitor and insert small instruments to perform the procedure.
All regions of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral) are accessible through minimally invasive techniques, though not all diseases of the spine can be treated by these innovative techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using innovative techniques, cutting edge technology and scientific basis, minimally invasive surgery for the spine is safe and effective for treating a number of spinal conditions.
Dr. Juan Martínez Caamaño
Dr. Martinez is certified in the specialty of traumatology and orthopedics and medical techniques used to correct or prevent physical degeneration or malformation procedures and pains, injuries and other conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system of the body.
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