Minimally Invasive Back Surgery Offers Many Benefits
Back pain can be debilitating. It can cost you many hours, even days worth of happiness. But a new minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming increasingly popular among our patients because of its many benefits.
Minimally invasive surgery uses microscopic instruments and new, specialized techniques. These allow for much smaller incisions than traditional or “open” spine surgery. Smaller incisions result in less trauma to the tissue. Patients will experience less pain, quicker recoveries and shorter hospital stays.
“For many patients, it’s the best way to go,” said Dr. Lonnie Loutzenhiser, who specializes in minimally invasive back surgery and the treatment of spinal disorders at Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center in metro Denver. Dr. Loutzenhiser is also the chief of minimally invasive spine surgery at OrthoColorado Hospital, the orthopedic specialty hospital where Panorama conducts most of its surgeries.
Minimally invasive surgery can be used to treat a range of conditions, including:
- pinched nerves
- spondylolisthesis
- scoliosis
- traumatic instability of the spine
And while many patients can receive relief from non-surgical options — including anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and activity modification — other patients need more aggressive interventions.
Only specially-trained surgeons practice spine surgery. Dr. Loutzenhiser has performed minimally invasive surgery for about 10 years and has seen how it reduces pain and improves function for patients.
“Technological advancements and refinements in surgical techniques have continued to improve patient outcomes,” he said. “Minimally invasive spine surgery can help patients to return to the activities they enjoy.”
When selecting a physician, it’s important to learn about his or her training and expertise. It’s also a good time to discuss treatment options. Dr. Loutzenhiser reviews each case on an individual basis and develops a treatment plan based on a patient’s examination, diagnostic tests and individual needs.
Be sure to ask your doctor about what treatment option is best for you.