The Johns Hopkins Bayview Spine Program offers minimally-invasive approaches for the treatment of cervical or lumbar disc herniations, degenerative disc disease requiring fusion surgery and some types of spinal trauma, including vertebral compression fractures.
Involving the use of small incisions done with the assistance of an endoscope, microscope, x-ray guidance or a minimally-open technique, minimally-invasive approaches to spinal surgery are becoming more popular and, in many instances, are highly effective.
The advantages of minimally-invasive spinal surgery over traditional open surgery include smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay, reduced post-operative pain, less blood loss, a shorter recovery time and reduced risk of infection.
Not all conditions or spinal diseases can be effectively treated with a minimally-invasive approach. After an evaluation, your medical team will work with you to determine which surgical (or non-surgical) options are best for you.
