Spine surgery, even minimally invasive, should always be approached with careful forethought. We get asked a lot of questions by patients talking to us about whether it’s time for surgery, which surgery is right for them, recovery times and a host of other questions.
We thought it was time to post an FAQ about minimally invasive spine surgery for that reason, to answer some of the more common questions people come to us with. While this list is not comprehensive, it’s good information to have on hand, before coming to see us.
Knowledge is power, so arm yourselves!
When is it time for surgery?
Because spine surgery is such a serious matter, we believe that it should always be the last therapeutic tool resorted to, except in very extreme cases (motor vehicle accidents, for example).
If you’ve been struggling with pain for more than 12 months and have attempted every non-invasive treatment at your disposal, then a consultation about minimally invasive spine surgery with your specialist is in order.
The patient’s individual needs come first. We take decisions on whether to move ahead with surgery on that basis.
Is minimally invasive surgery right for me?
MISS procedures have evolved tremendously in recent years, with more patients choosing them now than ever before. Some spinal conditions are best treated by traditional methods, though, including situations involving tumors, infections and severe scoliosis.
The progress of your condition and the type of condition you’re suffering from largely govern our decisions in this regard. It’s safe to say, however, that MISS is a good option for many spinal conditions and offers a lower risk of complications and shorter recovery times.
Will I be in the hospital for long?
Another leading advantage of minimally invasive surgery is that patients get to go home sooner than with traditional approaches.
Hospital stays, in most cases, are cut in half with MISS. Lumbar fusion patients, for example, can leave the hospital in only 2-3 days, compared to open surgery techniques, which usually require a stay of 5-7 days.
You’ll also experience much less pain with minimally invasive surgery.
Will I have to rehabilitate with physical therapy?
As with any surgery intended to improve mobility, patients with minimally invasive procedures have prescribed a course of physical therapy, beginning anywhere from 2-6 weeks following surgery.
Much depends on overall health, the complexity of the surgery and the condition treated. But it’s clear that the rehabilitative power of physical therapy helps to speed recovery and return patients to normal function, as their bodies adjust.
Physical therapy is proven to expedite patient recovery.
Spine Consult NJ
At Spine Consult NJ, we’re committed to restoring patients to normal function and a better quality of life. We work with people suffering from pain and find that many respond to conservative treatments. When that’s not the case, we’re a team of spine surgery specialists who offer the latest advances in surgical therapy for your spine.
If you’re interested in discussing minimally invasive surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. We’re here to help.