What is Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery?
Surgery for scoliosis in NJ and NYC is typically seen as a last resort in treatment and is used to definitively correct your scoliosis. When your spinal curve is causing pain or limited functional mobility, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct your problem. Some scoliosis can be treated with minimally invasive surgery.
Your minimally invasive scoliosis surgery will take place in a New Jersey hospital. During your procedure, small incisions are made in your back near your spine. Your back muscles are not cut but gently spread apart to allow your doctor to introduce specialized instruments into your spinal area. Your doctor will then use the instruments to correct the position of your spine. Once your scoliotic curve is corrected, your doctor will apply external hardware to the bones so they stay in place.
When your doctor is confident that your spinal curve is corrected, he or she will remove the instruments and the small incisions in your back will be sutured.
Benefits of minimally invasive scoliosis correction surgery in NJ include:
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- Minimal risk of infection
- Less pain
- Sparing of your lumbar muscles
- Less blood loss
- More rapid recovery
Recovery after Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
After your minimally invasive scoliosis surgery in NJ, your doctor will guide you in the recovery process. Most patients are able to be up and about within a day of the procedure. The surgery is still involved and will require at least a few days in the hospital. The recovery process takes several weeks to months, depending on your condition.
Remaining active during your recovery process is important, and walking and gentle stretches may be prescribed to help you regain mobility after the surgery. If your job requires significant physical activity, you may be required to wait a few months before starting back to work.
Patients who engage in high level athletics or strenuous work may require several months before returning to their sports.
Risks of Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
The risks of minimally invasive scoliosis surgery in NJ and NYC are no different than a standard open spinal surgery. These risks include:
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- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Spinal fluid leak
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Instrumentation problem
- Neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling
- Failure of bones to heal over time, also known as a “non-union” or “pseudoarthrosis”
- Failure to alleviate your pain
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Your doctor will meet with you in one of our New Jersey offices to explain the risks of the procedure before your surgery so you understand exactly what to expect from the procedure.
Is Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery Right for Me?
Most patients are slightly concerned and anxious when facing minimally invasive scoliosis surgery in NJ. Will the surgery be a success? Is having the surgery the right choice?
Patients who have a successful outcome with the procedure typically share some specific qualities – they are active, healthy, non-smoking individuals who are motivated to return to their normal active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
A close relationship with the NJ neurosurgeon who performs your minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is important. Meeting one of our professional doctors in our New Jersey offices can help you determine if minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is right for you.