Minimally invasive spine surgery is a technique that uses a flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light source to allow the surgeon to look inside the body. However, there are certain conditions that require standard open treatment, such as high-degree scoliosis, tumors and some infections.

The medical conditions for which minimally invasive surgery is used include:

1. Degenerated discs
2. Scoliosis
3. Spinal tumors
4. Compression fractures

There are two main goals of minimally invasive spine surgery, they are:

Stabilization: Sometimes a mobile segment can be the source of pain or abnormal movement can cause pain. When this happens, a stabilizing surgery may be needed. This is typically a fusion, often done with instrumentation.

Decompression: This is used to take pressure off your spinal cord or nerve roots. That pressure can cause pinched nerves and pain. The goal of this procedure is to relieve the pressure and reduce your pain.

During minimally invasive spine surgery, the surgeon may have to convert to an open surgery if circumstances require. To learn more about treatment options, please visit http://www.spinewise.ca/spinal-decompression/.