If back pain is making you uncomfortable and causing you to seek medical treatment, it’s important to find a doctor who can give you the best options for success and recovery. Often surgery is recommended for patients with spinal problems that aren’t resolved through non-surgical methods like medications or physical therapy. When choosing a spinal surgeon, you may want to look for a doctor who has experience in using minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques, such as Dr. Charla Fischer at NYU Langone Center For Musculoskeletal Care in New York City.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Traditional spine surgery is performed as an “open surgery” in which a long incision is made to open the targeted area so that the surgeon can see and access the spine. More recent medical advances allow more spinal conditions to be treated successfully using a minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) technique.
MISS involves a much shorter incision than open surgery, often as little as only one-inch long. The risk of damage to tissues and muscles along the spine is avoided, and less pain and a faster recovery are usually expected. Patients who undergo MISS can typically expect better cosmetic results, reduced muscle damage, lower infection risk, less pain, less blood loss, less rehabilitation and quicker recovery time. Some MISS procedures are even performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Patients
More and more conditions are being resolved through MISS than ever before. Patients who might receive a recommendation for this type of surgery include those with degenerative disc disease, sciatica, herniated discs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, spinal fractures, tumors, infections, or spondylolisthesis. Not every spinal disorder can be treated with MISS techniques, so that’s one reason why it is important to select a doctor like Dr. Charla Fischer at NYU Langone Center For Musculoskeletal Care who is qualified, skilled and experienced in all types of spinal conditions and surgeries.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Surgeons
Certainly any surgeon you choose should have the desired education and experience to give you a strong confidence in their care and treatment plan. Be sure to ask lots of questions when you have a consultation to be sure you’re comfortable with the doctor and office. Less invasive treatments than surgery will likely be attempted first. If unsuccessful, spinal surgery may be an option if your doctor is able to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort. MISS may be an option depending on your case, and your doctor will explain the surgery and everything to expect. A qualified MISS surgeon must be able to use very small instruments and use special tools like fluoroscopes and microscopes during the procedure. The surgeon’s diagnosis, techniques and skills each play an important part of the success of minimally invasive spinal surgery. If you’re looking for a minimally invasive spinal surgeon in New York City, make an appointment with Dr. Charla Fischer today.