Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery is the use of cutting edge technology to provide maximal benefit while minimizing pain and complications of surgery. It involves the use of specialized equipment to perform spinal surgery through small (<1 inch) incisions. MISS has numerous benefits, including less pain, less blood loss, lower infection risk, faster recovery, and smaller scars. These procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis, with no need for a hospital stay.

How is MIS accomplished?

MIS is performed with the use of the latest imaging technologies including navigation and robotics, which allow for visualization of patient anatomy without the need for big, open incisions and unnecessary damage to healthy tissues. Small incisions are used to target the problem area with precision, minimizing damage and pain to important surrounding structures. When possible, Dr. Basques uses these precise techniques to avoid fusion and to preserve motion.  

MIS decompression

Minimally invasive cases are either performed through a small (14-18mm) tube inserted through the skin, or via a 7mm wide fiberoptic camera (endoscope) placed under the skin to visualize the important anatomy, including the nerves, bones and discs, without having to make a large incision and minimizing injury to the spinal muscles and other surrounding tissue. Once under the skin, the pressure on nerves can be released. In some cases there is abnormal motion of the bones which requires stabilization (fusion), which can be performed using these same small incisions.

Robotics/navigation

Dr. Basques uses the latest technology to help guide his minimally invasive surgeries. When using robotic navigation, an interactive 3D computer model of the spine is made, which can be used to precisely guide surgical instruments and implants.