Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery 脊椎微創手術

🧠 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is a surgical technique aimed at reducing surgical trauma, shortening recovery time, and lowering the risk of complications. Compared to traditional open spine surgery, MISS uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to more precisely treat spinal conditions while preserving the surrounding healthy tissues.

✅ Indications (Common Conditions Treated)

MISS is suitable for treating a variety of spinal disorders, including:

• Herniated disc

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)

• Spinal fractures (e.g., compression fractures)

• Spinal tumors or infections

• Chronic lower back pain with structural abnormalities

🔍 Surgical Principles and Procedure

1. Image-guided localization
X-rays, MRI, or intraoperative navigation systems are used to precisely locate the spinal lesion.

2. Small incision and access port
A skin incision of only 1–2 cm is made to insert a guidewire and dilators.

3. Working channel placement
A tubular retractor is used to establish a stable surgical channel, minimizing disruption to muscles and surrounding tissues.

4. Endoscopic or microscopic assistance
Surgeons operate with the aid of an endoscope or surgical microscope to clearly view and treat the affected area—such as decompression, discectomy, fusion, or screw fixation.

5. Closure and recovery
The small wound typically results in minimal bleeding and may not require extended hospitalization.

🩺 Common Minimally Invasive Techniques

• Microdiscectomy: Removal of herniated disc fragments compressing the nerves

• Laminotomy: Partial removal of lamina or ligament to relieve pressure on spinal nerves

• Percutaneous fusion: Implantation of fusion devices and screws through small incisions

• Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty: Injection of bone cement to stabilize fractured vertebrae

🌟 Advantages

• Smaller incisions and less postoperative pain

• Reduced blood loss and lower infection risk

• Faster recovery—some procedures are even outpatient

• Greater surgical precision with more tissue preservation

⚠️ Risks and Limitations

• Traditional open surgery may still be required for complex conditions

• Requires advanced equipment and experienced surgeons

• Potentially higher costs (depending on hospital and insurance coverage)

🎯 Ideal Candidates

• Patients with a well-defined lesion and no widespread spinal degeneration

• Individuals seeking quicker recovery and fewer complications

• Elderly or chronically ill patients (lower physiological stress from surgery)