Minimally invasive spine surgery was developed to treat spine problems with less injury to the muscles and other normal structures in the spine.

The goal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is to achieve outcomes equivalent to those of open surgery while minimizing muscle dissection, disruption of ligament attachment sites, and collateral damage to soft tissues. Using specialized retractors, video instruments, and surgical equipment, we now have greater visibility through small incisions which minimizes the damage to the muscles and soft tissues while also lessening blood loss during the surgery. 

As opposed to open spine surgery, minimally invasive surgical approaches can be faster, safer, and require less recovery time. Due to the reduced trauma to the muscles and soft tissues (compared to open procedures), the potential benefits are:
• Smaller skin incisions (sometimes as small as several millimeters)
• Less blood loss
• Reduced risk of muscle damage
• Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain
• Faster recovery

Once the surgery is complete, the tissues fall back in place as the various instruments are removed. The incision is then closed and covered with surgical tape.