Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spine Tumors : Vertebral Fracture Treatments , Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty (Vertebral Augmentation)

Minimally Invasive Spine Tumor Surgery

Tumor is abnormal mass of rapidly growing cells without any physiological function. That means it does not perform any function for the body but derives its nutrition from the body.  It can occur anywhere in the body. The cause is unknown. Those tumors that are found in and around the spinal cord are known as spinal tumors. They may be primary tumors whose cells of origin is the spinal tissue, or they may be secondary tumors which have spread (metastasize) via blood stream from some other focus in the body.
 

The Spinal cord is covered by a layer of protective tissue called as meninges. The entire spinal cord is encased within the vertebral column.
 

The Spinal tumor are of three types depending on their location:

• Intramedullary – within the substance of the spinal cord.
• Intradural-Extramedullary- within the layers (meninges) covering the spinal cord
• Extradural- between the meninges an the vertebral body. Most of the spinal tumors are extradural.  

Tumors are also classified as benign and malignant. Tumors that are confined to a particular area in the body are known as benign tumors. Those tumors that spread rapidly to various parts of the body are known as malignant tumor. A tumor can initially start as a benign one and can convert to a malignant one in a few cases. The benign tumors are easier to treat as they are localized in their extent and their complete removal is possible. Whereas incase of metastatic or malignant tumor, the earlier they are detected, the better the chances of their removal. But in the malignant tumor the chances of recurrence are also there as they are rapidly growing tumors.
 

What are the Symptoms of Spinal Tumor?

Tumor may cause generalized symptoms in the body (like persistent low energy levels, unexplainable weight loss, lump formation, enlargement of lymph nodes, malaise, irregularities of menstruation in females etc) as well as symptoms pertaining to the affected organ in the body. In case of spinal tumor the patient may present with any of the following:

• Back pain, often radiating to other parts of the body and worse at night
  
• Loss of sensation or muscle weakness, especially in the legs
• Difficulty walking, sometimes leading to falls
• Decreased sensitivity to pain, heat and cold
• Loss of bowel or bladder function
• Paralysis may occur in varying degrees and in different parts of the body, depending on which nerves are compressed.
• Scoliosis or other spinal deformity resulting from a large, but non cancerous tumor
• Erosion and Destruction of vertebral body

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spine Tumors

Surgery is considered minimally invasive when it involves small incisions (e.g. ½ inch) and minimal tissue disruption. Most minimally invasive procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient can go home the same day, and have relatively short recovery times.

Vertebral Fracture Treatments
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty, also referred to as vertebral augmentation, are typically reliable procedures designed to provide pain relief for patients who have a vertebral fracture associated with a spinal tumor.

Vertebroplasty
This procedure involves inserting a needle through a small incision in the back so that a medical-grade bone cement can be inserted into a fractured vertebra to fill in the empty spaces and act as an internal cast to stabilize the bone. The treatment is designed to reduce pain, prevent further collapse of the vertebra, and restore the patient's mobility.

Kyphoplasty (Vertebral Augmentation)
Kyphoplasty also involves injecting bone cement into a vertebra, and involves the additional step of first inserting a balloon into the bone and inflating the balloon to create a cavity. This treatment is designed to stop the pain caused by a spinal fracture, and to stabilize the bone via an internal cast.

Transarterial Chemoembolization
This procedure involves a small incision in the thigh for access to the femoral artery. A catheter guided by a wire is directed through the vascular system to the tumor with the aid of imaging. Once the tumor is located, a chemotherapeutic agent is injected directly into the tumor to shrink or destroy the tumor to remove pressure on individual nerve roots or the spinal cord.

Recovery

Recovery after tumor surgery is a relatively slow process as the patient is weakened by the tumor and all the medications, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he has been subjected to. Regular follow ups are required to detect any recurrence of tumor. Positive mindset combined with a strong support system can work wonders for the patient’s recovery. The patient should take nutritious diet to replenish his body reserves. 

Tumor or cancer as it is referred to in common man’s language, is a much feared disease. Many of those who are affected feel their world go crumbling around them with the mere mention of such a diagnosis. They go through a variety of emotional phases from denial to acceptance to defeat against the killer. Not only the patient but also the caretaker or the family member is totally drained out while attending to the patient. The picture may seem very dismal, but tumor patients still have a hope to live a normal life, provided the condition is detected early and the remedial measures are begun in time. We provide these patients with a world class diagnostic setup to detect tumors as early as possible and also advanced surgical techniques to treat them. We provide a multidisciplinary approach towards handling of such patients as they require medical, surgical, emotional and psychological support. We make the stay of the patient as well as that of the caretaker as comfortable as possible and try our best to allay their fears and anxieties. All this is offered at our hospitals at very affordable costs.

Types of Scoliosis : Most Advanced Spine Treatment and Surgery in India

What are various types of scoliosis?

Functional Scoliosis

In this type of scoliosis, the spine is normal, but an abnormal curve develops because of a problem somewhere else in the body. This could be caused by one leg being shorter than the other or by muscle spasms in the back.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

In this type of scoliosis, there is a problem when the bones of the spine are formed. Either the bones of the spine fail to form completely or they fail to separate from each other during fetal development. This type of scoliosis develops in people with other disorders, including, birth defects and muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, or Marfan's disease. People with these conditions often develop a long C-shaped curve and have weak muscles that are unable to hold them up straight. If the curve is present at birth, it is called congenital. This type of scoliosis is often much more severe and needs more aggressive treatment than other forms of scoliosis.

Degenrative Scoliosis

Unlike the other forms of scoliosis that are found in children and teens, degenerative scoliosis occurs in older adults. It is caused by changes in the spine due to arthritis known as spondylosis. Weakening of the normal ligaments and other soft tissues of the spine combined with abnormal bone spurs can lead to an abnormal curvature of the spine. The spine can also be affected by osteoporosis, vertebral compression fractures, and disc degeneration

Expected Results

Scoliosis surgery in India which involves spinal fusion is quite successful in stopping the curve from growing. With sophisticated techniques, doctors can straighten the curve to a great extent which improves the patient's appearance and functioning to a great extent.

Recovery

You would have a lot of pain after the surgery which would be controlled with pain medications. You would stay at the hospital for about a week to ten days to make sure you are on the right healing path. The surgeon would advise you to start walking on second or third day of the surgery and physical therapy would begin on the third or fourth day of the surgery.

Most people return to school and work in 3-4 weeks. Full recovery can take from 4-6 months and most people can resume other activities and even sports after an advice from the surgeon.

Scoliosis Surgery in India

Owing to availability of state of the art hospitals, a lot many patients come to India for scoliosis surgery. Scoliosis surgery in India is being performed by highly experienced orthopedic surgeons and doctors. Besides quality of treatment, the cost of the surgery in India is much less than the cost of the surgery in USA, UK or Canada.

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Minimally Invasive Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) in India - Spine Surgery Treatments offered at Best Hospital in India

The success rate for posterior fusion in the treatment of refractory discogenic back pain is only 60-70%. The selection of the appropriate patient for this surgery has been blamed for the relatively poor results. Other possible causes of poor results are that the actual pain-causer, the disc, is not addressed. Studies have shown continued significant movement of the disc despite solid posterior fusion. One study showed that patients with continued back pain after solid posterior fusion were improved after anterior fusion of the disc space.This image shows a side view of an instrumented spine. The arrow shows the force of gravity which is diverted from the disc to the posterior instrumentation. One can imagine how the disc space could continue to have motion despite solid posterior fusion.

In an attempt to improve the results of fusion surgery, fusion of the disc has been performed to directly address the most common source of pain. Unlike the posterolateral gutter fusion, the PLIF achieves spinal fusion by inserting bone graft and possibly instrumentation directly into the disc space. The disc excision and fusion can be performed anteriorly, or through a posteriorapproach. When the posterior approach is used to remove and fuse the disc, this is called a PLIF,Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

An alternative approach is used to minimize retraction of the dura. By resecting the facet joint, a farther lateral approach can be used to remove the disc. This approach, with removal of the facet, is called a TLIF - Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

THE GENERAL PROCEDURE:

 

1. First, the spine is approached through a three-inch to six-inch long incision in the midline of the back and the left and right back muscles (erector spinae) are stripped off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels.
2. After the spine is approached, to perform the PLIFprocedure (shown below), the lamina is removed (laminectomy) which allows visualization of the nerve roots. The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, are usually undercut to give the nerve roots more room and more room for performing the fusion and/or instrumentation. For the TLIF procedure (shwon below), the entire facet joint is removed.
3. The nerve roots are then retracted to one side and the disc space is cleaned of the disc material. Bone graft is then inserted into the disc space with or without interbody cages. For a standard PLIF procedure, the bone graft and/or instrumentation is performed on both sides. For the TLIF procedure, the disc space is accessed from one side, reaching over to remove and replace the disc on the other side. The TLIF approach is shown below, with removal of the disc. Bone graft, bone from the bone bank, or instrumentationin the form of a cage can be placed through this approach.                                  

AFTER SURGERY

Risks include:

• Nerve Injury
• Adjacent disc disease
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Non-union

The PLIF and TLIF approach has an advantage over the posterolateral gutter fusion in that the large spinal muscles do not need to be dissected off the transverse processes, so there is less scarring of the muscle and associated pain for the patient. The major advantage of PLIF and TLIF is that there is significantly more surface area for fusion in the disc space as compared to the posterolateral gutter.

However, the PLIF requires substantial retraction of the nerve roots to gain access to the disc space. Significant traction can injure the nerve root and has the potential to result in chronic leg pain and back pain. The pain associated with this type of nerve root injury can be severe, and there are no effective options for treatment. The TLIF requires less retraction of the dural sac, but nerve injury can occur at the level of the nerve cell bodies (dorsal root ganglion). Pain associated with manipulation of the DRG can also be very severe and debilitating. Fortunately, these complications are rare with meticulous care of the nerves.

There are numerous veins (epidural veins) over the disc space, and surgery in this area creates the potential for excessive blood loss during the surgery. Recurrent pain after a successful spinal fusion procedure is more likely due to a “transfer” lesion at the motion segment above or below the fusion, because stress is transferred to the next level and may cause that vertebral segment to degenerate and breakdown.

Nonunion rates of between 0% and 20% have been quoted in the medical literature. Nonunion rates are higher for patients who have had prior surgery, patients who smoke or are obese, patients who have multiple level fusion surgery, and for patients who have been treated with radiation for cancer. Other than nonunion, the risks of a spinal fusion surgery include infection or bleeding. These complications are fairly uncommon (approximately 1% to 3% occurrence).

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com       
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Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

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Most Advanced Laser Spine Surgery in India : Best Spine Hospitals in India

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity super luminous diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range). Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function. This also enhances the body's natural healing processes. The following chart outlines some of the specific effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy. 

The underlying science behind cold laser therapy is sound. Studies have shown that light of certain wavelengths can reduce pain and inflammation. Lasers can offer very focused beams of light which can be used to target specific areas, which means that in theoretical use, a low intensity laser calibrated to emit light of a specific wavele ngth could potentially be used very effectively to treat areas of inflammation on the body. However, like all medical devices, cold lasers need to be carefully evaluated for safety and efficacy.

Doctors generally recommend cold laser therapy as part of an overall pain management program. For people dealing with chronic pain, cold laser therapy is an option which could be used to reduce the pain, while people with persistent inflammations may also benefit. However, this therapy should not be undertaken without medical supervision, and it is generally not recommended as a replacement for other forms of medical treatment, such as the use of physical therapy to manage chronic pain.

Some practitioners of acupuncture have suggested that cold laser therapy could be used much like acupuncture and acupressure, with the beams of the laser targeting specific points on the body. These practitioners of alternative medicine rely on their training and experience to support their beliefs about the use of cold laser therapy. Stimulation of pressure points can be used to treat a number of conditions treatable with acupuncture. 

A number of terms are used to refer to cold laser therapy, including low power laser therapy (LPLT), low level laser therapy (LLLT), biostimulation, soft laser, and laser acupuncture. In all cases, the technique involves exposing the skin to targeted laser beams for set periods of time and at set intervals. The light in the laser is supposed to stimulate damaged cells to promote healing and a reduction in inflammation and pain. The "cold" refers not the temperature of the laser, but to the fact that the laser is of low intensity, rather than high intensity lasers, which can burn the skin. 

Our network hospitals have the most advanced spine surgery facilities. The spine surgeons here use minimally invasive and computer guided techniques in spine surgery. In a Minimally Invasive spine surgery the surgeon makes a few small incisions unlike the open surgery where a single large incision is made. Minimally Invasive spine surgery has several important benefits for the patients. If you have been advised spine surgery your first choice should be the latest minimally invasive technique developed by our world best hospitals in India. Most advanced Technology like Intra Operative MRI, Brain Suite and Computer Assisted Navigation System are deployed by highly trained surgeons for accurate and safe Spine Surgeries through a small incision.

Why should you choose to get Indian hospitals offer the best spinal surgery treatment in India at affordable prices. MedWorld india associated best spine surgery hospitals in India have the latest technology and infrastructure to offer the most advanced spine surgery at low cost.

Salient features of these hospitals are:

• Comprehensive management of spine disorder from birth defects to degeneration of tumor and trauma.

• Dedicated team of International trained and vastly experienced Spine Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Neurologist, Physicians and Physiotherapist.

• Expert evaluation of spinal problems by dedicated team of experienced spine Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Neurologist, Physicians and Physiotherapist.

• Latest Generation Diagnostic and Imaging facilities including dynamic digital X rays, Spiral CT scanning , MRI and Electrophysiology unit all under one roof.

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation by experts after the surgery help you regain functional abilities quickly helping in vastly improved overall results.

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com    
                    https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india

Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

Call Us : +91-9811058159

Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com

Most commonly, laminectomy is performed to treat spinal stenosis - Best Spine Surgery Hospital in India

Laminectomy or Laminotomy (a partial laminectomy) is sometimes called a decompression procedure and is a spinal procedure to remove a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina. The lamina is a posterior arch of the vertebral bone lying between the spinous process, which juts out in the midline and the more lateral of each vertebra. The pair of lamina, along with the spinous process, make up the posterior wall of the bony spinal canal.  Although the procedure indicates excision of the lamina, the operation called conventional laminectomy, removes the lamina, spinous process and overlying connective tissues and ligaments, cutting through the muscles that overlie these structures. Minimal surgery laminectomy is a tissue preserving surgery that leaves the muscles intact, spares the spinal process and takes only one or both lamina. Laminotomy is removal of a mid-portion of one lamina and may be done either with a conventional open technique, or in a minimal fashion with the use of tubular retractors and endoscopes.

BRIEF ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

There are many variations of laminectomy, in the most minimal form small skin incisions are made, back muscles are pushed aside rather than cut and the parts of the vertebra adjacent to the lamina are left intact. After an incision is made in the midline of the neck or back, the muscle is moved away to expose the lamina, which are the bony shingles that overlay the neural (nerve) elements. The lamina can be removed in whole or in part to expose a single nerve root or more of the neural elements as needed. In the case of a lumbar disc herniation, a laminotomy, or partial removal of the lamina is usually sufficient to gain access to the affected nerve root.  The nerve root will usually be visible just beneath the lamina, with a disc herniation underneath it. The nerve root is gently held out of the way with a retractor and the disc herniation can be accessed. The traditional form of laminectomy (conventional laminectomy) excises much more than just the lamina, the entire posterior backbone is removed, along with overlying ligaments and muscles. The usual recovery period is very different depending on which type of laminectomy has been performed: days in the minimal procedure and weeks to months with conventional open surgery. A lamina is removal is done to break the continuity of the rigid ring of the spinal canal to allow the soft tissues within the canal to expand or as one step in changing the contour of the vertebral column, or in order to allow the surgeon access to deeper tissues inside the spinal canal. Conventional open laminectomy often involves excision of the posterior spinal ligament and some or all of the spinous process and facet joint. Removal of these structures, in the open technique, requires cutting the many muscles of the back which attach to them. Laminectomy performed as a minimal spinal surgery procedure, however, allows the bellies of muscles to be pushed aside instead of transected and generally involves less bone removal than the open procedure. The recovery period after laminectomy depends on the specific operative technique; minimally invasive procedures having a significantly shorter recovery period than open surgery. Removal of substantial amounts of bone and tissue may require additional procedures to stabilize the spine, such as fusion procedures and spinal fusion generally requires a much longer recovery period than simple laminectomy. Most commonly, laminectomy is performed to treat spinal stenosis. Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis Spinal stenosis is the single most common diagnosis leading to any type of spine surgery and laminectomy is a basic part of its surgical treatment. The lamina of the vertebra is removed or trimmed to widen the spinal canal and create more space for the spinal nerves and thecal sac. Surgical treatment that includes laminectomy is the most effective remedy for   severe spinal stenosis, however most cases of spinal stenosis are not severe and do not require surgery. When the disabling symptoms of spinal stenosis are primarily neurogenic claudication and the laminectomy is done without spinal fusion, there is generally a very rapid recovery with excellent long term relief. However, if the spinal column is unstable and fusion is required, there is a recovery period of months to more than a year and relief of symptoms is less likely.

Minimally Invasive, Endoscopic and Laser Spine Surgery - Best Spine Surgery in India

Laser therapy is the use of monochromatic light emission from a low intensity laser diode (250 milliwatts or less) or an array of high intensity super luminous diodes (providing total optical power in the 1000-2000 milliwatt range).

Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds. The light source is placed in contact with the skin allowing the photon energy to penetrate tissue, where it interacts with various intracellular biomolecules resulting in the restoration of normal cell morphology and function. This also enhances the body's natural healing processes. The following chart outlines some of the specific effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy. 

The underlying science behind cold laser therapy is sound. Studies have shown that light of certain wavelengths can reduce pain and inflammation. Lasers can offer very focused beams of light which can be used to target specific areas, which means that in theoretical use, a low intensity laser calibrated to emit light of a specific wavele ngth could potentially be used very effectively to treat areas of inflammation on the body. However, like all medical devices, cold lasers need to be carefully evaluated for safety and efficacy.

Doctors generally recommend cold laser therapy as part of an overall pain management program. For people dealing with chronic pain, cold laser therapy is an option which could be used to reduce the pain, while people with persistent inflammations may also benefit. However, this therapy should not be undertaken without medical supervision, and it is generally not recommended as a replacement for other forms of medical treatment, such as the use of physical therapy to manage chronic pain.

Some practitioners of acupuncture have suggested that cold laser therapy could be used much like acupuncture and acupressure, with the beams of the laser targeting specific points on the body. These practitioners of alternative medicine rely on their training and experience to support their beliefs about the use of cold laser therapy. Stimulation of pressure points can be used to treat a number of conditions treatable with acupuncture. 

A number of terms are used to refer to cold laser therapy, including low power laser therapy (LPLT), low level laser therapy (LLLT), biostimulation, soft laser, and laser acupuncture. In all cases, the technique involves exposing the skin to targeted laser beams for set periods of time and at set intervals. The light in the laser is supposed to stimulate damaged cells to promote healing and a reduction in inflammation and pain. The "cold" refers not the temperature of the laser, but to the fact that the laser is of low intensity, rather than high intensity lasers, which can burn the skin. 

Our network hospitals have the most advanced spine surgery facilities. The spine surgeons here use minimally invasive and computer guided techniques in spine surgery. In a Minimally Invasive spine surgery the surgeon makes a few small incisions unlike the open surgery where a single large incision is made. 

Minimally Invasive spine surgery has several important benefits for the patients. If you have been advised spine surgery your first choice should be the latest minimally invasive technique developed by our world best hospitals in India. Most advanced Technology like Intra Operative MRI, Brain Suite and Computer Assisted Navigation System are deployed by highly trained surgeons for accurate and safe Spine Surgeries through a small incision.

Why should you choose to get Indian hospitals offer the best spinal surgery treatment in India at affordable prices. MedWorld india associated best spine surgery hospitals in India have the latest technology and infrastructure to offer the most advanced spine surgery at low cost.

Salient features of these hospitals are:

• Comprehensive management of spine disorder from birth defects to degeneration of tumor and trauma.

• Dedicated team of International trained and vastly experienced Spine Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Neurologist, Physicians and Physiotherapist.

• Expert evaluation of spinal problems by dedicated team of experienced spine Surgeons, Rheumatologists, Neurologist, Physicians and Physiotherapist.

• Latest Generation Diagnostic and Imaging facilities including dynamic digital X rays, Spiral CT scanning , MRI and Electrophysiology unit all under one roof.

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation by experts after the surgery help you regain functional abilities quickly helping in vastly improved overall results.

For more information visit:          http://www.medworldindia.com     
                    https://www.facebook.com/medworld.india

Please scan and email your medical reports  to us at care@medworldindia.com and we shall get you a Free Medical Opinion from India’s Best Doctors.

Call Us : +91-9811058159

Mail Us : care@medworldindia.com

Most Advanced Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion Surgery in India

Lumbar spinal fusion is a common technique to help patients with back pain, who have failed non-operative treatment. Once you and your physician have decided that you need fusion of your lumbar spine, you should realize that there are many different ways this procedure can be done. The choice of which technique is best for you is dependent on what is wrong with your spine. Your surgeon may have more experience with fusion techniques from the front of the spine (anterior), the back of the spine (posterior), or some of the newer, less invasive approaches. These newer techniques are often called Minimally Invasive Spinal (MIS) surgery. The goals of all these techniques remain the same, to achieve a lumbar fusion, and lessen the patient's pain.

The most common method of spinal fusion involves the posterior approach, with an incision along the back of the patient's spine. Often, this procedure is used if bone spurs, thickened ligaments, or disc ruptures need to be removed to alleviate pressure on the nerves. The fusion procedure then involves placement of metal screws, rods and bone graft. Anterior spinal fusions require an incision through the abdomen. After removal of the degenerated disc, a metal cage with bone graft is usually placed between the spinal bones (vertebral bodies). Some patients will require both front and back procedures.

There are many new surgical techniques that are being developed to improve the results of lumbar fusions. Minimally invasive spine surgery for lumbar fusion is one of these newer techniques. MIS procedures have smaller incisions, cause less trauma to the surrounding normal tissues, and hopefully results in a faster recovery for the patient. One of these MIS techniques is a procedure known as extreme-lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF). During the XLIF procedure the lumbar spine is approached from the side through a small skin incision. The surgery is performed through a muscle that lies next to the lumbar spine known as the psoas muscle.

With the XLIF procedure, approximately 2/3 of the disc can be safely removed. After the disc is removed, an artificial graft is placed in between the vertebrae, to allow the bones to fuse together. For a single level XLIF procedure, the surgery can be usually be performed in about an hour. Most patients stay in the hospital for 24 hours following the procedure, and do not require a brace. Occasionally, weakness may be noticed while lifting your leg after surgery. This psoas muscle weakness should return to normal fairly soon after surgery.

Not everyone is a candidate for this surgery, once conservative (non-operative) treatments have failed, you should consult a surgeon to see if you are an appropriate candidate.

The major advantage of all of these  minimally invasive techniques is that there is less damage caused to the surrounding tissues. Unfortunately, in traditional spinal surgery it is necessary to cut through muscles and move them out of the way in order to reach the spine. This can cause a large amount of pain following surgery, and it can lengthen the recovery time. Instead of cutting and moving muscles, the minimally invasive techniques can more gently spread through the muscles to allow access to the spine. This is much less painful for the patient, and it does not require as long of a recovery period for the muscle to heal.

Another benefit of less muscle damage is less blood loss and thus a reduced need for blood transfusions using the minimally invasive techniques. There is often less need for narcotic pain medications following this form of surgery, and a shorter hospital stay.