DUBAI - Spine surgery is rarely an initial treatment for back pain. However, there are a few emergencies that may require surgical treatment.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is a surgical technique that utilises the most advanced technology and innovative procedures to treat a range of spinal conditions.
This surgery is reported to have an approximate 90 per cent success rate and its minimally invasive nature reduces the operative trauma for the patient. The surgery was carried out for the first time in the GCC on March 15, 2011 at a hospital in Dubai.
Dr Zbiggy Brodzinsky, Orthopedic Spinal Surgeon, Dubai Bone and Joint Centre said there are three main MISS techniques:
Tubular: This surgery involves a tubular retractor, which acts as a tunnel that passes through your back muscles to access your spine.
MISS with a tubular retractor is commonly referred to as a muscle-splitting approach. Compared to open spine surgery, there is less muscle damage and blood loss in this procedure.
Endoscopic: This spine surgery uses a tiny video camera called an endoscope—which is smaller than a dime—to pass through small surgical incisions (usually less than 2 cm) to access your spine.
Mini-open: Similar to an open procedure, it has fewer risks, such as less blood loss during surgery and less risk of infection because the incision is much smaller.
“Utilising a minimal incision on the patient, the procedure DIANA uses a screw-like technique placed in between the Sacro Iliac joints in order to reduce the traction between the bones relieving patients of lower back pain,” he added.
Typically, MISS procedures allow for a greatly condensed recovery time because of reduced tissue handling.
Dr Brodzinsky said: “Many of the patients who undergo MISS are able to start walking on the same day or the day after the surgery. The first six weeks is limited to walking and daily activities.”