Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

Minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISS) are procedures performed on bones and other components of the backbone. These surgeries use smaller incisions and cause less harm to tissues and muscles. As such, they lead to less pain. Patients also recover faster and as a result, they can feel a difference in their pain symptoms faster, too.

During a MISS, the doctor will make a small incision, big enough for the insertion of the tubular retractor. This is a stiff, tube-shaped device that creates a tunnel from the opening to the problem area in the spine. It pushes tissue and muscle aside so the doctor can then insert the small tools that will be used for the operation. The surgeon may also use a special microscope or camera, and view the spine in real time through X-ray.

Nowadays, orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for different types of spine surgery, including spinal fusion, laminectomy, and lumbar discectomy.