Non-Operative Spine Care

Surgery isn't always the answer. And that's a good thing.

Many spine conditions can be managed without surgery. The first step is understanding what's causing your symptoms and identifying the treatments that make sense for you.

Dr. Gabriel Perrone offers a comprehensive approach to spine care, including exercise-based rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication management, and targeted spinal injections when appropriate.

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WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE SPINE SURGERY?

The same goal.
A different way of getting there.

Minimally invasive spine surgery, often called MIS, refers to a range of techniques that allow a surgeon to reach the spine through smaller approaches than may be used in traditional open surgery.

Depending on the procedure, specialized instruments, imaging, tubular retractors, or an endoscope may be used to access the area being treated..

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

Why use a minimally invasive approach?

Smaller incisions
Many minimally invasive procedures can be performed through smaller surgical openings.

Less disruption of surrounding tissue
Specialized approaches can reach the spine while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.

Potential for less postoperative discomfort
Some patients may experience less early postoperative pain, although every procedure and recovery is different.

Potential for earlier recovery
A less-invasive approach may allow an earlier return to certain activities.

What can be treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive techniques can be used for a number of spine conditions, depending on the location and nature of the problem.

Herniated Disc & Lumbar Radiculopathy

When a herniated disc compresses a nerve, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the leg. Certain disc herniations can be treated through minimally invasive decompression or discectomy techniques.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing around the nerves in the lower back can cause leg pain, heaviness, numbness, or weakness, particularly with standing or walking. Certain patterns of stenosis may be treated using minimally invasive decompression techniques.

Spinal Instability

Some conditions require stabilization in addition to relieving pressure on the nerves. Depending on the problem, certain fusion procedures may be performed using minimally invasive techniques.

Selected Revision Spine Procedures

For patients who have previously undergone spine surgery, certain problems may be approached using less-invasive techniques. Revision surgery requires careful evaluation of the prior operation, current anatomy, symptoms, and imaging.

ENDOSCOPIC VS. MINIMALLY INVASIVE

Is endoscopic spine surgery the same thing?

Not exactly.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a broad category encompassing different techniques designed to reduce disruption to surrounding tissues.

Endoscopic spine surgery is a specific type of minimally invasive surgery that uses an endoscope — a small camera — and specialized instruments to access and treat certain areas of the spine.

This distinction is worth explaining because patients often hear the terms used interchangeably.

Explore Endoscopic Spine Surgery →

Frequently asked questions about minimally invasive surgery

  • Not necessarily. The appropriate approach depends on the condition, anatomy and operation required. A smaller approach is only beneficial if it adequately addresses the underlying problem.

  • Incision size varies depending on the procedure. Minimally invasive techniques generally use smaller surgical approaches than comparable traditional open procedures, but there is no single incision size for all MIS operations.

  • Some procedures may be performed on an outpatient basis, while others require a hospital stay. This depends on the procedure and the individual patient.

  • Recovery varies considerably depending on the operation, condition, overall health and activity goals. Dr. Perrone can provide more specific expectations once the appropriate procedure is determined.

  • Yes. Endoscopic spine surgery is one type of minimally invasive spine surgery. However, not every minimally invasive operation is endoscopic.

  • Certain causes of spinal stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica may be treated using minimally invasive techniques. Whether that approach is appropriate depends on the specific cause and anatomy.