Arthroscopic Spinal Surgery
What is Arthroscopic Spinal Surgery?Arthroscopic Spinal Surgery, also known as Minimally invasive Surgery (abbreviated to M.I.S) is commonly used to investigate, diagnose and treat spinal disorders that fail to respond to physiotherapy, medication or other non-surgical treatments. The term Arthroscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery (M.I.S) is also often commonly referred to by the general public as 'Keyhole Surgery". This procedure represents a distinct technological advance in the way a spinal surgeon can choose to operate on a patient, as it provides a quick, easy and clear view of the inside a vertebral joint or space through a pencil slim, high-resolution camera, known as an Arthroscope, without the need to fully open up the spine with a traditional incision (cut). The main advantage of an M.I.S technique, is that less trauma is caused to the skin, underlying tissue, ligaments and muscles surrounding the problematic area of the spine as the incisions used in this type of surgery are only small 'Key Holes' rather than a lengthy surgical cut. The speed of a patient's recovery following MIS surgery is therefore remarkably shorter and considerably more pain free, than when compared to other traditional surgical methods. Common corrective spinal procedures performed during an Arthroscopic M.I.S procedure are: - Drainage of fluid
- Removal of torn or loose fragments of cartilage or disc
- Removal of loose fragments of bone or irregularities caused by arthritis
- Decompression and reconstruction of vertebrae and surrounding structures
Which Spinal Surgery procedures can be performed using an M.I.S technique?The most commonly performed MIS procedures are as follows: (Please click on any of these procedure titles to see more specific detail about how a procedure is performed). How is Arthroscopic Spinal M.I.S carried out?M.I.S can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Epidural Anaesthetic (you will be awake but unable to feel pain throughout the procedure). An M.I.S procedure usually takes only a relatively short amount of time to perform if the injury or condition is of a minor nature (approximately 30 minutes), although repair of a more complex nature can take much longer. During an M.I.S procedure two small incisions (cuts) just a few millimetres in length are made either side of the problematic area. These two incisions allow a narrow tube with a camera within it to be inserted into one and a slim tube that will regularly inject fluid and rinse the inside of the vertebral joint space into the other. The injected fluid will allow the surgeon to get a good view of the problem area via the camera lens as he moves it around inside the cavity. Once the problem is properly identified, another small incision can then be made elsewhere (sometimes two incisions are made) in order to insert exceptionally fine instruments into the problematic vertebral joint or space. With the aid of clear vision via the camera, the surgeon can then guide his fine instruments and gently correct the problem without any need to fully open up the treated area. At the end of the procedure the small keyhole wounds on the joint are usually closed with a single stitch and a simple dressing. What is the recovery like?Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as joint stiffness and Deep Vein Thrombosis from developing. It is therefore normal for patients to be encouraged to undertake physiotherapy exercises and walk a gentle distance just a few hours after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control, patients are normally discharged home. The length of time in hospital is entirely variable according to the complexity of an individual's condition. By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing only a simple wound dressing over their 'keyhole' incisions, eating and drinking normally and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers) to control any pain. Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility and range of spinal movement through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity levels. Your Consultant Surgeon will assess your condition and range of movement after 1 week and then again after three months to evaluate how successful the M.I.S procedure has been. Individuals in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work. Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take around 6-10 months to achieve. Are there any risks associated with MIS surgery? Although M.I.S surgery is very regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking such specialist surgery, especially in relation to the surgeon occasionally needing to abandon an arthroscopic technique in favour of a traditional incision method in a problematic case. All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition with an expert in Arthroscopic Spinal Surgery in relation to these risks cannot be over emphasised. How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Arthroscopic Spinal M.I.S?Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Arthroscopic Spinal M.I.S surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
Our Expert Consultant Spinal Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex Spinal surgery and because of their Arthroscopic M.I.S expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment. To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment. How do I make a consultation appointment?For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Spinal Surgeon in Arthroscopic M.I.S techniques: Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com
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