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Minimally Invasive Spine

Surgical relief without the recovery of open surgery.

These are done through small openings rather than a long incision, which is why recovery is usually measured in weeks rather than months. Tap any procedure to read what it involves.

  • Microdiscectomy Herniated discs create pressure on a spinal nerve root. Lower back, leg

    Herniated discs create pressure on a spinal nerve root. A microdiscectomy removes the ‘bulge’ that is identified as the reason for lower back pain, sciatica and leg pain.

    Ask about this procedure →
  • Kyphoplasty Kyphoplasty is necessary for patients who have a fracture from osteoporosis. Mid back, lower back

    Kyphoplasty is necessary for patients who have a fracture from osteoporosis. A small balloon is surgically inserted into the vertebrae and inflated, which returns the structure to a more normal and more compact position.

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  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression also called MILD Spinal stenosis in the lower back is when the spinal canal is narrowed and nerve fibers compressed, which causes pain and numbness. Lower back, legs

    Spinal stenosis in the lower back is when the spinal canal is narrowed and nerve fibers compressed, which causes pain and numbness. MILD removes excess bone tissue and/or ligaments compressing on the spinal cord and causing the pain. Patients are advised to rest without heavy lifting or significant activity for a few days after this procedure.

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  • Vertiflex Vertiflex is an implanted device that is used to treat patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Lower back, legs

    Vertiflex is an implanted device that is used to treat patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. If pressure is being applied to the nerve roots, the vertiflex implant is placed within the spine to relieve the pressure, and relieve back and leg pain.

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What to expect

The question most people arrive with: do I actually need surgery?

First

Usually, not yet

Most people who come to us for spine pain do not end up having a procedure at all. We start by working out what is causing the pain, and conservative treatment is tried first unless there is a clear reason not to.

The difference

Small openings, not a long incision

These procedures reach the problem through openings measured in millimetres. Less muscle is disturbed getting there, which is the main reason recovery differs so much from traditional open surgery.

Recovery

Weeks rather than months, for most people

Recovery depends on the procedure and on you, and your physician will give you specific numbers for yours rather than an average. What is generally true is that these are outpatient procedures and you go home the same day.

If it is not right for you

We will say so

Not every problem is suited to a minimally invasive approach. Where open surgery genuinely is the better option, we will tell you that and help you get to the right surgeon.

Questions we get asked most

Is this real surgery?

Yes — these are surgical procedures, done in a sterile setting by a physician. What makes them minimally invasive is how the surgeon reaches the problem: through very small openings rather than a long incision, so less tissue is disturbed on the way. That is what changes the recovery.

How long until I am back to normal?

It depends on which procedure and on your own situation, so your physician will give you real numbers before you decide anything. As a general rule these are same-day procedures and recovery is counted in weeks, where open spine surgery is often counted in months.

Will I be put to sleep?

That varies by procedure. Some are done with local anaesthetic and light sedation, others need general anaesthesia. You will know which applies to you well before the day, including whether you need someone to drive you home.

What if this does not work?

Having a minimally invasive procedure does not close off other options. If it does not give you enough relief, the next conversation is about what else is available — including open surgery if that is genuinely the right answer.

Will my insurance cover it?

Most of these are covered by most plans, but it depends on your plan and on what has already been tried. We verify your coverage before your visit and tell you what to expect, rather than leaving it to be discovered at billing.

Who performs these?

Board-certified physicians across our NJ, NY, PA and DE offices. You can see the full team on our providers page.

Next step

Find out whether you need surgery before anyone schedules one.

Request a consult and a physician will work out what is causing your pain first. Most people who come in for spine pain do not end up needing a procedure.

Request an appointment

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