Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) is not limited to a single surgery type. Rather, it is a philosophical approach that some surgeons take in planning surgery, and encompasses a variety of different surgical methods.
MIS emphasizes the approaches to the spine, and the importance of minimizing tissue trauma during surgery and minimizing blood loss. Our Neurosurgeons are MD’s uniquely trained in these MIS techniques, having undergone specialized fellowship training in addition to the normal rigors of neurosurgery training.
Central Canal Stenosis (Spinal Stenosis)
Spinal stenosis is identified by MRI or CT scan and involves narrowing in the spinal canal, of both the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This occurs commonly from arthritis and normal degeneration as we age.
Foraminal Stenosis
As the spinal nerves course away from the spinal cord, they travel through small holes in the spine called neural foramen, which can become smaller with degeneration. This can put pressure on the spinal nerves, and lead to numbness and painful sensations in the extremities.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Our spinal segments are separated by intervertebral discs, which allow us a degree of flexibility. They are round hockey puck-shaped and consist of an outer fibrous component and an inner jelly-like component called the nucleus pulposus. These discs are a possible source of pain, and a discogram may be necessary for diagnosis. Often once diagnosed, fusion is required for treatment.
Facet Pain
Every spinal segment contains two facet joints where the two vertebrae come together. As the facet bones slide along one another with slick cartilage, a facet capsule moistens them. This capsule has many small nerves, which cause pain when irritated. The pain is located in whichever region of the spine is affected, and should initially be treated with injections such as a facet block, medial branch block, or rhizotomy/radiofrequency ablation. (facet joint disease, radiofrequency ablation, medial branch block). If these treatments are unsuccessful, a spinal fusion may be necessary.
Osteoporotic Spine Fractures
Although we treat all variants of spinal fractures at NSI, osteoporotic compression fractures are the most commonly encountered. They often occur after relatively minimal trauma in the thoracic or lumbar region, and can be treated with bracing and either a kyphoplasty or a fusion. In addition, NSI professionals can help direct treatment for osteoporosis, either through oral and IV vitamin infusions, or medical management.
Scoliosis
Two types of scoliosis exist and can be treated with bracing or surgery. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis begins in childhood and can worsen over time, while adult degenerative scoliosis is the result of an aging spine leading to deformity. Both are generally treated with a special type of scoliosis brace but may require deformity correction depending on certain spinal parameters. Let us guide you through this complex but common problem.
Neoplasm/Tumor
There are many variants of spine tumors that we at NSI treat. The treatments vary depending on the specific pathology, but generally require either complete resection or debulking. Our NSI neurosurgeons work with the latest technology to accomplish those surgical goals
Sacroiliitis
This is a very common cause of nonspinal back pain, especially in women, and can be easily diagnosed with injections. Treatment involves nonsurgical techniques, such as injections, versus minimally invasive surgical options perfected by our NeuSpine surgeons. Allow us to help diagnose correctly and treat appropriately the source of your pain.