Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: What It Is and When It Is Used
Minimally invasive spine surgery treats herniated discs, stenosis, and some cases of spinal fusion using small incisions and access tubes, rather than the traditional open incision. This guide explains how it works, its actual advantages, and which patients are suitable candidates.
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
It is a surgical technique that uses incisions just a few centimeters long, dilating tubes, and visualization via microscope or endoscope to access the spine without extensively cutting or separating muscle, as occurs in traditional open surgery.
Advantages over traditional open surgery
When a case is suitable, the minimally invasive technique can offer:
- Less bleeding during the procedure
- Less postoperative pain, due to the preservation of more muscle tissue
- Smaller scars
- Faster functional recovery in many cases
It is important to be clear: these advantages depend on the specific case. Not all spine surgeries are suitable for the minimally invasive technique, and forcing the wrong approach can compromise the outcome.
Conditions treated with this technique
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Cervical herniated disc
- Localized spinal stenosis
- Some cases of one- or two-level spinal fusion
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
Eligibility depends on the location and complexity of the injury, whether there have been previous surgeries in the same area, and the patient’s individual anatomy. An evaluation involving imaging studies (MRI or CT scan) is necessary before confirming if the case is suitable.
What to expect on the day of surgery and afterwards
Most minimally invasive spine procedures are performed on a same-day basis or require only an overnight hospital stay. Early mobilization—usually on the same day or the following day—is a standard part of the recovery protocol.
About Dr. Ricardo Martínez Pérez
Dr. Ricardo Martínez Pérez is a CMOT-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, with fellowship training dedicated to the spine. He evaluates your imaging studies remotely to determine if your case is a candidate for a minimally invasive technique before you decide to travel.
To schedule your evaluation, visit our contact page or message us via WhatsApp at +52 322 403 3000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
It is a surgical technique that uses small incisions, access tubes, and visualization via microscope or endoscope, rather than a traditional open incision. The goal is to treat the same condition while causing less damage to the surrounding muscle tissue.
Is minimally invasive surgery safer than open surgery?
It is not automatically safer in every case, but it often involves less bleeding, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery when the patient is a suitable candidate. The choice depends on the specific diagnosis, not on a general preference.
Which spinal conditions are treated using minimally invasive techniques?
Lumbar or cervical disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and certain cases of spinal fusion, provided the patient’s anatomy and the extent of the injury allow for it.
Are all patients candidates for minimally invasive surgery?
No. Eligibility depends on the location and complexity of the injury, any previous surgeries in the area, and the patient’s individual anatomy. An evaluation involving imaging studies is necessary to confirm suitability.
