Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses small skin incisions and specialized instruments to treat many common spine problems. By avoiding large muscle dissection, MISS can reduce tissue damage, blood loss, post-operative pain and hospital stay, helping many patients return to normal activity sooner.
When is MISS considered?
Your doctor may recommend MISS if medicines, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes have not relieved symptoms, and scans correlate with your pain. MISS is commonly used for:
- Disc herniation (slipped disc) causing sciatica or arm pain
- Spinal canal stenosis (nerve compression)
- Spondylolisthesis (vertebra slippage)
- Facet or ligament hypertrophy
- Certain spinal fractures, infections or tumours (selected cases)
Benefits at a glance
- Smaller skin incisions and less muscle disruption
- Less post-operative pain and need for pain medicines
- Lower blood loss and infection risk
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
- Earlier return to work and daily routine (varies by procedure)
Common minimally invasive procedures
Microdiscectomy
Removal of the slipped portion of the disc through a keyhole approach to relieve pressure on the nerve. Often done for leg pain (sciatica) not improving with conservative care.
Decompression for stenosis
Targeted removal of thickened bone/ligament to enlarge the spinal canal and free the compressed nerves, usually through a tubular retractor.
MISS fusion (TLIF/PLIF/XLIF)
Stabilization of an unstable segment using screws/cages inserted through small incisions with navigation or X-ray guidance (for selected patients).
How to prepare
- Share your complete medical history and all medicines (including blood thinners and herbal supplements).
- Stop smoking and control diabetes as advised—both improve healing.
- Arrange a friend/family member for the first 24–48 hours after discharge.
What to expect on the day
- Anaesthesia: Most MISS procedures are done under general anaesthesia.
- Incisions: 1–3 small incisions (typically 1–2 cm).
- Imaging: Live X-ray/fluoroscopy or navigation guides precise placement of instruments.
- Closure: Absorbable sutures or staples; a small dressing is applied.
Recovery & rehabilitation
- Same-day or next-day mobilization in many cases
- Shower after 48–72 hours unless advised otherwise
- Physiotherapy focuses on posture, core strength and safe bending/lifting
- Desk work: often 1–2 weeks; heavier work: 4–8 weeks (individualized)
Risks (low but possible)
- Infection, bleeding or blood clots
- Nerve irritation or CSF leak
- Incomplete relief or recurrence of symptoms
- Need for revision surgery in a small percentage
Your surgeon will discuss personalized benefits and risks based on your MRI, bone quality and overall health.
When to seek urgent help
- New weakness, numbness or loss of bladder/bowel control
- Fever, wound redness/discharge or severe increasing pain
- Calf swelling or sudden shortness of breath
FAQs
Is MISS always better than open surgery?
Not always. MISS suits many, but some complex deformities, infections or multi-level problems may need conventional open approaches. The choice is individualized.
Will I have a visible scar?
Incisions are small (often 1–2 cm) and placed to minimise scarring. Most patients are happy with cosmetic outcomes.
How long will pain relief last?
Most patients experience sustained relief when the underlying compression is adequately treated and rehab is followed. Lifestyle and posture habits matter for long-term success.
Next steps
If you have persistent back or leg pain, numbness or weakness, a clinical evaluation with correlation to MRI can clarify if minimally invasive spine surgery is appropriate for you.
