Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) allows many spinal conditions to be treated through smaller incisions with less disruption to surrounding tissue. These techniques are designed to reduce recovery time, minimize blood loss, and preserve normal anatomy when appropriate.

Aqib Zehri, MD, is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery. He offers a full spectrum of advanced techniques, including endoscopic spine surgery and robotic-assisted procedures, with a focus on selecting the least invasive option that effectively addresses each patient’s condition.

What conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used to treat a wide range of spinal conditions, depending on the severity and underlying cause.

Common conditions include:

• Herniated discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Spondylolisthesis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spinal fractures

• Certain spinal deformities

Not every condition requires open surgery, and many patients may be candidates for less invasive approaches.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery?

Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive techniques are designed to reduce tissue disruption and support faster recovery.

Potential benefits include:

• Smaller incisions

• Less blood loss

• Reduced postoperative pain

• Shorter hospital stay

• Faster return to normal activity

The specific benefits depend on the procedure and the patient’s overall condition.

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

Candidacy depends on several factors, including the type of spinal condition, severity of symptoms, and overall spinal alignment.

Patients may be candidates if they have:

• Persistent pain despite conservative treatment

• Nerve compression causing leg or arm symptoms

• Structural conditions that can be addressed without extensive reconstruction

In more complex cases, traditional open surgery may still be the most appropriate option.

What is the role of endoscopic spine surgery?

Endoscopic spine surgery is an advanced form of minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to treat certain conditions through very small incisions.

It may be appropriate for:

• Disc herniations

• Select cases of spinal stenosis

• Targeted nerve decompression

This approach allows for precise treatment while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.

When is open surgery still necessary?

While minimally invasive techniques are effective for many conditions, some patients require more extensive procedures.

Open surgery may be recommended for:

• Significant spinal deformity

• Severe instability

• Complex revision surgery

• Multi-level disease requiring full reconstruction

The goal is always to choose the approach that provides the safest and most durable outcome.

Take the next step

If you are considering spine surgery or want to explore minimally invasive options, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate approach.

Call the office or request an appointment online to get started.