Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Advanced medical technology means complex spinal surgeries can now happen with minimally invasive approaches, so you recover faster, have smaller scars, and have fewer complications. Experienced neurosurgeon David A. Wiles, MD, performs minimally invasive spine surgery for patients in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Minimally invasive surgery replaces complicated, invasive procedures to resolve disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more.

How can minimally invasive spine surgery benefit me?

Standard spine surgery uses an open method. This means your surgeon makes a long incision down your back, moves muscles and soft tissue away, and sometimes removes tissue. 

Minimally invasive surgery means you’ll heal faster from your procedure because there’s less trauma to any surrounding muscles or soft tissue. 

Minimally invasive spine surgery also means: 

• Reduced scarring
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Less anesthesia required
• Less post-surgical rehabilitation required
• Reduced risk of infection and postoperative pain
• Less need for pain medications
• Improved patient outcomes 

When you undergo a minimally invasive procedure, faster healing means less downtime as well. You may need just one night of observation and rehabilitation before going home for further recovery. Some patients can even go home the same day.

What conditions do you treat with minimally invasive spine surgery?

Spine surgery is a serious step in your treatment. Dr. Wiles only recommends it when conservative therapies, like physical therapy and pain medications, can’t relieve your pain and dysfunction.

Dr. Wiles may recommend minimally invasive surgery for:

• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal instability, including spondylolisthesis
• Vertebral compression fractures
• Lumbar or cervical spinal stenosis
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal deformities, like scoliosis

Not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. Dr. Wiles carefully reviews your case and medical history before recommending this treatment approach.

What happens during minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery uses very small incisions, specialized instruments, and guidance from a tiny video camera.

The specifics of your surgery depend on your condition. Dr. Wiles often performs the following:

Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression involves removing any bone spurs or soft tissue compressing the spinal canal to cause nerve pain.

Discectomy

A discectomy is a treatment for a herniated disc. Dr. Wiles removes or trims the problematic disc.

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion eliminates painful movements and increases spine stability by using a bone graft to create a single block of bone along the spine. 

Learn more about the minimally invasive spine surgeries offered at the office of David A. Wiles, MD, by calling or booking an appointment online today.