Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

The Human Spinal Column is made up of multiple vertebral bones. These vertebral bones are stacked on one another and cushioned with intervertebral discs. The vertebrae protect the delicate spinal cord which is responsible for transmitting information from the brain to the rest of the body. There are various spinal conditions wherein the vertebrae move out of position, thereby stretching the surrounding nerves, muscles, and ligaments to cause pain. Thankfully, minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery can provide relief from this by preventing the shifting of one or more vertebrae.

Arete Hospitals Spine Surgery Department is dedicated to delivering minimally invasive spine surgeries like Spinal Fusion in Hyderabad to get rid of back or neck pain and dysfunctions caused by different spinal conditions. With the help of modern technologies and advanced techniques, highly trained and experienced spine surgeons are there to provide patients with the best possible, comprehensive care of their spine and a pain-free life ahead.

What is Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion is an operation to permanently mend together two or more spinal bones through keyhole incisions, using bone or other artificial bone-like material. It can be performed with different approaches including anterior, transforaminal, posterior, and lateral.

What does Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery Involve?

The overall procedure of minimally invasive spinal fusion lasts for a couple of hours (usually 2-3 hours), depending upon the number of spinal levels involved. It is performed on an asleep patient who has received general anesthesia. Throughout the surgery and even afterwards, the patient’s vital signs are monitored. To assist in breathing during the operation, the surgeon inserts a breathing tube down the patient’s throat. Intravenous antibiotics are given before the surgery to avoid infections.

For the surgery, the patient is made to lie down on the stomach on a special operating table/bed equipped with special supports and padding. The patient’s lower backside is then cleaned properly using disinfectant and sterile drapes are placed.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery procedure commences by making approximately an inch-long incision on one side of the middle of the back, directly over the affected spinal levels. Through these incisions, the surgeon uses special cannulated retractors and sleeves to dilate the back muscles and gently divide the fascia to move them aside. Next, the surgeon places a bone graft or synthetic bone-like material in the space between the affected vertebrae. To anchor bones in place and fuse the facet joints, the surgeon utilises pedicle screws and rods. All this is done under X-ray guidance. If required, other repairs in the spine are made by the surgeon.

In the case of TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion), the surgeon performs partial laminectomy and complete facetectomy to allow visualisation and removal of the intervertebral disc lying between the two affected vertebrae. An intervertebral disc is then removed with the help of special biting and grasping instruments (including Kerrison rongeur, pituitary rongeur, and curettes), an X-ray guidance, and an operating microscope. To restore the normal height of the spinal disc and even determine the appropriate spacer size to be placed, the surgeon uses special distractor instruments. A metal or plastic bone spacer may even be carefully placed in the disc space.

The surgery ends with the closure of the incision site layer by layer. Using one or two sutures, the deep fascia and subcutaneous layers are closed. The skin is then closed with special surgical glue.

After Discharge

• Avoid bending at the waist, heavy weight lifting, and even twisting the body to prevent strain injury on the spine in the initial 2-4 weeks of recovery.
• If necessary, wear a soft or rigid lumbar corset that can provide additional lumbar support.
• Take proper surgical wound care as instructed by the surgeon.
• Avoid taking a bath or wetting the surgical site until the incisions heal.
• Resume driving only when pain is minimal.
• Go for follow-up appointments, first after two weeks for inspection of the incision site and refilling of medications. Subsequent follow-up visits to the surgeon should be scheduled after every 4-6 weeks. At this time, an X-ray will be taken by the surgeon to check for appropriate healing and stability of fused spinal bones.
• Start with gentle back exercises as instructed by the Spinal Fusions Doctor in Hyderabad after 6-10 weeks of surgery. 

Effectiveness of Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion has an overall success rate of around 90%. Numerous research studies are revealing 92-98% of good or optimal outcomes of MIS Fusion Surgery in Hyderabad. 

1. How lengthy is a hospital stay after minimally invasive spinal fusion?

Usually, the patients can get discharged in 1-3 days, and maybe longer if anterior spinal surgery is being performed.

2. When can I return to work and sports after my surgery?

You can return to light work duties in about 1-2 weeks, depending upon the subsiding of postoperative pain. In 1-2 months after the surgery, you can get back to a moderate level of work and play light recreational sports. If you have undergone spinal fusion at only one spinal level, you can resume sports and heavy weight lifting after your surgical pain subsides and your back strength is back to normal with physical therapy. In case you have undergone fusion at two or more spinal levels, you must avoid laborious work, heavy weight lifting, and impact sports.

3. Will I need physical therapy with MIS Fusion Surgery?

You can go for physical therapy to strengthen your back muscles. Thus, it can be a beneficial addition to your recovery. You may be recommended to undertake physical therapy only when your physical situation demands its need is your surgeon’s judgement. 

For Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Surgery in Hyderabad, contact Arete Hospitals. They have the best surgeons and facilities to deliver the best outcomes. Schedule your consultation today!