Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery with Dr. Paul Stanton
Welcome to a Medical Minute segment with Dr. Paul Stanton, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group as he discusses minimally invasive spine surgery for Anterior and Posterior Lumbar Fusions.
What is the difference between Anterior and Posterior Lumbar Fusions?
There are multiple avenues in which a surgeon can perform lumbar spine surgery. Which procedure type is to be utilized is dependent on:
- the type of procedure being done
- complexity of the case
- the patients current health status
- the patient’s surgical history
These factors also help the surgeon determine which angle (anterior, posterior, lateral, etc.) to utilize during the procedure as well.
What is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
The goal of any minimally invasive surgery is to achieve the best possible outcome with the least amount of damage to the surrounding musculature. Preserving the surrounding musculature is key to optimizing a patient’s recovery, and getting them back to their normal range of function. Minimally Invasive Surgical techniques, help us achieve this function in an accelerated and less invasive manner.
What type of injuries is an Anterior or Posterior Lumbar Fusion commonly used for?
Anterior and Posterior surgery methods can be used for many cases including spinal instability, spinal deformity, collapse, fractures, and trauma.
The spine physicians at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group believe in customizing treatment plans specific to each patient and their individual case. For those appropriate candidates, conservative care options such as physical therapy, manipulation, or injections may be recommended. In the event a patient has exhausted conservative treatment options, with little to no progress in pain relief, then surgery may be needed to help achieve full recovery.
What is the Average Recovery Time for an Anterior and Posterior Lumbar Fusion?
Recovery time varies depending on each case, however the recovery time for lumbar reconstruction, using minimally invasive techniques, averages a few months to a year. These timelines are estimated to achieve full recovery. With most minimally invasive spine surgery, Anterior and Posterior Lumbar Fusions specifically, patients will often be required get up and walk around on the day of surgery. This reduces the chance for complications that can arise from immobility post-surgery.
What is the Average Hospital Stay after a Minimally Invasive Anterior and Posterior Lumbar Fusion?
It is typical for this surgery to require a hospital stay of one to two nights. This is significantly less than more invasive surgery techniques which typically require between 5-7 days in the hospital.
How does Recovery Differ Between Traditional Open Spine Surgery and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
There is a significant difference in the recovery experience between minimally invasive surgery and traditional surgery methods. Because minimally invasive surgery techniques reduce the damage of the surrounding musculatures, patients can return to normal function much quicker than patients that undergo traditional open surgery methods.
What Age Range can Undergo Anterior or Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery?
Minimally invasive anterior and posterior surgery techniques can be used for individuals of any age. There are a few exceptions depending on a patient’s prior surgical history however, most can benefit from a minimally invasive surgery techniques.
What do your patients say after receiving this type of surgery?
Patients are incredibly excited to get back to their daily routines and be pain free again. Check out Annie’s story and her experience with the CSOG Spine Center here.
Call us today at 719-632-7669 to schedule your appointment with one of the Physicians at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group! Visit us at www.csog.net to learn more.
The Spine Center Physicians
Paul Stanton, DO
Dr. Paul Stanton is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with surgical expertise in all aspects of spinal surgery. Some of his most commonly utilized techniques include minimally invasive techniques and complex reconstructive techniques. These techniques are used often to help those with conditions of the cervical spine, adult spinal deformity, and degenerative scoliosis.
James M. Bee, MD
Dr. Bee’s interests include the full range of spinal disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Roger D. Sung, MD
Dr. Sung is a fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in cervical and lumbar surgery, microsurgery, and minimally invasive surgery.
Robert Harper, MD
Dr Harper is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon specializing in cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacroiliac joint minimally invasive surgical techniques.