Invasive Percutaneous Spine Surgery

Invasive percutaneous spine surgery employs minimally-invasive technique to treat pain caused by a variety of spine conditions. Spine surgery is traditionally performed through an open method which requires cutting through muscles to access the spine. This can result in tissue and nerve damage with prolonged postoperative healing and other complications. Invasive percutaneous spine surgery, however, requires a small incision and can be accomplished with minimal damage to the muscles and surrounding structures enabling a faster recovery and less pain. Other benefits include minimal blood loss during surgery, short hospital stay, less scarring, low risk of infection, and quicker return to work and normal activities.

During invasive percutaneous spine surgery, a tiny tube is inserted through a small incision made in the skin. Your doctor will use a live X-ray image to guide the tube to the affected area of spine. This involves creating a pathway through the tissues which are separated or retracted with special instruments. Miniature surgical instruments are then introduced through the tube to correct the defect and stabilize the spine.

Your doctor will decide whether invasive percutaneous spine surgery would be beneficial for your particular spine condition. Although these procedures are minimally invasive, certain complications such as infection, bleeding and nerve damage may rarely occur.