We will start this article with quote of world renowned spinal surgeon, pioneer of minimally-invasive surgery who shared his techniques and educated hundreds of surgeons worldwide, dr. Martin Knight from The Spinal Foundation (United Kingdom).

“Don’t be confused by clinics offering Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) which by definition has an incision of less than 7.5mm, when they really mean Less Invasive Spinal Surgery (LISS) which uses an incision(s) which amount to 20 – 80mm.”

What dr. Martin Knight is trying to say? True minimally-invasive spinal surgical techniques are exactly – endoscopic (which by definition has an incision of less than 7.5mm). With minimally-invasive endoscopic surgical techniques, surgeons are able to treat variety of spinal diseases like:

• herniated disc
• protruded disc
• extruded disc
• bulging disc
• pinched nerve
• back pain
• FBSS – failed back surgery syndrome
• annular tear
• spinal instability
• sciatica

Less-invasive spinal surgeries (which by definition have an incision from 15-80mm) are for example this surgical procedures:

• tubular retractor assisted surgeries, known as METRx procedures, or micro-endoscopic procedures (acceptable solutions if surgeon is following principles of minimally-invasive spinal surgery)
• cervical surgical procedures like posterior foraminotomy
• interspinous implant surgery

Usually, this are good surgical procedures when performed by minimally-invasive spinal surgery, in comparison to traditional surgical procedurs.

This surgeries are not minimally-invasive and will never be minimally-invasive. However, they can be performed with some principles of minimally-invasive concept with result of shorter hospitalization, less blood loss, etc. They are not minimally-invasive because they are somehow drastic and aggressive. For example:

• minimally-invasive spinal fusion – during this surgery, complete disc is removed and bones are damaged. Irreversible!
• artificial disc surgeries – complete disc is removed. Irreversible! We recommend experienced surgeon for this type of surgery.
• ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) for which many surgeons claim that it is minimally-invasive surgery. Of course it is not. Whole disc is removed and metal plates, rods and screws are used.
• Micro-surgery, micro-spine surgery, micro-discectomy (traditional spine surgeries).

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.