Spinal fractures can be extremely painful and may make movement very difficult, therefore greatly affecting the quality of life. And can also lead to paralysis.

Treatment for spinal fractures in the past could mean major surgery with lengthy recoveries and high risks. Minimally invasive surgery has transformed how we treat spinal fractures-improving recoveries and reducing pain, while improving results for patients.

This article will look at how these innovative treatments work and how they are able to benefit such patients who suffer from spinal fractures.

What are spinal fractures?

A spinal fracture occurs when one of the vertebrae in your spine breaks, typically due to an injury, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident, and also by certain disorders, such as osteoporosis, which may weaken the bones.

Major types of spinal fracture include: compression fractures, burst fractures, and traumatic fractures. The treatment of fractures depends on the type and severity, and while some minor fractures may be treated with rest and physical therapy, more serious fractures may require surgical treatment.

Traditional approach versus minimally invasive surgery

Traditionally, spinal fractures were treated with open surgery-that is, a method involving making large incisions to reach the spine. Although effective, it necessitated the cutting of muscles and tissues, which again resulted in longer recovery times, more pain, and a higher risk of complications related to infection.

MISS, by contrast, involves much smaller incisions, sometimes even several millimeters in size. Utilizing specialized instruments-small cameras and very tiny instruments-to access the fractured vertebra allows the surgeon to stabilize the fracture without inflicting severe trauma on surrounding tissues. This means less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery time.

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery for spinal fractures

1. Faster recovery

Recovery after minimally invasive surgery takes much less time compared to traditional surgery. The procedure involves smaller incisions, thus less damage to muscles, and hence the patient may feel better in a few days. Many people get back to their routine activities in weeks, as opposed to months.

2. Less pain

Less invasion within the body basically means less trauma, thus less postoperative pain. As a result, many patients can get through with fewer pain medications and generally feel more comfortable as they heal.

3. Reduced risk of complications

With minimally invasive surgery, there is, therefore, a reduced risk of possible complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve damage, since there will be less cutting and interference with the involved body tissues.

4. Smaller scars

One of the advantages of this method is cosmetic: smaller incisions mean patients have smaller scars and less visible signs of surgery. More often than not, this is quite a big benefit for many people.

5. More accurate treatment

Most minimally invasive surgeries employ real-time, advanced imaging in the form of X-rays or CT scans to guide the surgeon. These have enabled finer placement of screws, rods, or other treatments, therefore leading to fewer risks of problems during recovery.

Common minimally invasive procedures for spinal fractures

Following are some of the major types of minimally invasive procedures used in the treatment of spinal fractures:

• Vertebroplasty: This is performed for compression fractures of the vertebra. In vertebroplasty, a specific type of bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra by a surgeon to stabilize it and relieve pain. It is a relatively simple procedure with quick recoveries.
• Kyphoplasty: Just like vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty requires the injection of bone cement. In fact, it also involves the inflation of a balloon inside the vertebra before injecting the cement, thereby helping to restore the height of the vertebra. It is ideal for patients with collapsed vertebrae.
• Percutaneous Spinal Fusion: When there are severe fractures causing destabilization of the spine, percutaneous spinal fusion may be considered. This procedure involves the placing of small incisions and the insertion of screws, rods, or other devices into the vertebrae providing stabilization to hold the fractured vertebra in place as it heals.

Why choose minimally invasive surgery?

Generally, patients would prefer minimally invasive surgery because this type of surgical option allows them to recover faster with less pain and fewer complications than the alternative. These are especially useful in cases when one would not want to be hospitalized for a long period of time and maintain bed rest for a long time. Whether you have a minor fracture or some severe spinal injuries, minimally invasive techniques will get you up on your feet much quicker than standard surgery.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive surgery has transformed the treatment of spinal fractures with shorter healing times, reduced risk, and better patient outcomes. If you have a spinal fracture, these advanced methods might be exactly what you need to get back on your feet with minimum disruption to your life.

Mythri Hospital offers state-of-the-art spinal care, including minimally invasive treatments. Our knowledgeable team works to provide personalized care that is suited best for recovery.

Has yourself or your loved one sustained a spine fracture or some other problem with the spine? You can feel free to contact us for professional advice and treatment options. Let us work together towards making your recovery quicker and more comfortable.