The term minimally invasive surgery describes surgical procedures that cause less tissue damage, bleeding and complications in relation to the incisions of traditional surgery.
Minimally invasive surgical techniques are used to treat degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, spinal fusion, scoliosis, osteoporosis, compression fractures, as well kyphoplasty or the treatment of spinal tumors and spinal fractures. With the help of a computer, the surgeon is virtually guided by special imaging equipment (fluroscopy), and is able to identify the different areas of the spine with greater precision.
These types of surgical procedures in combination with the traditional surgical skills, know-how and experience allow the neurosurgeon to perform more precise movements within the surgical area, which reduces the risk of damage to the nerves, muscles, bones and tissues in comparison to traditional surgical techniques.
Especially in cases of lumbar disc herniation relapse or first grade spondylolisthesis it has been shown that the mini Interbody fusion is the final solution. More specifically and with posterior lumbar access a bone window is created without requiring laminectomy to allow access for removal of the corpus ligament, fat and herniated disc and then two expandable cages are implanted intervertebrally which ensure both stabilization – fusion and prevent prolapse of disc into the inner foramen or spinal canal.
The outer surfaces of these cages are coated with hydroxyapatite material that promotes synostosis with the vertebral bodies.
