Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery utilizes specialized instruments and imaging guidance to perform spinal procedures through smaller incisions. These techniques result in less soft tissue disruption and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, MD, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon practicing in Torrance and Long Beach, California, has exceptional skills and extensive experience in performing minimally invasive surgery. If you are seeking relief from neck or back pain, consider reaching out to Dr. Ortega's practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD. Contact the nearest office today to request a consultation.

What is minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery?

Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery is a surgical approach that aims to treat spinal conditions using techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding tissues. Dr. Ortega utilizes this technique by making small incisions and uses specialized instruments and imaging technology to access the spine. This allows Dr. Ortega to perform procedures with greater precision while causing less damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments compared to traditional open surgery.

What are the benefits of MIS surgery?

MIS surgery involve smaller incisions, resulting in less damage to muscles and other soft tissues surrounding the spine. In many instances, MIS surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day of surgery. 

MIS surgery offers the following benefits:

• Reduced intraoperative blood loss
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Reduced length of hospital stay 
• Faster postoperative recovery 
• Faster return to daily activities
• Faster return to work 

What is computed-assisted spine surgery? 

Computer-assisted spine surgery, also known as spinal navigation, is a state-of-the-art surgical technique used to enhance the precision and accuracy of spinal procedures. It involves the use of advanced imaging technology, such as intraoperative fluoroscopy or CT scans, combined with specialized computer software to create a detailed 3D map of your spine.

During the procedure, this real-time imaging data is integrated with Dr. Ortega’s instruments, providing continuous guidance and feedback throughout the surgery. This allows Dr. Ortega to navigate through complex spinal anatomy with greater accuracy, ensuring precise placement of implants, screws, or other devices while minimizing the risk of damaging nearby nerves or other critical structures.

Contact Dr. Ortega’s practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn more about computer-assisted spine surgery.

What is robotic-assisted spine surgery? 

Robotic-assisted spine surgery is an advanced surgical technique that utilizes a robotic arm to assist Dr. Ortega in performing various procedures with enhanced precision and accuracy. In robotic spine surgery, Dr. Ortega plans the procedure beforehand using advanced imaging techniques, such as a CT scan. This imaging data is then used to create a 3D model of your spine.

During surgery, Dr. Ortega uses the robotic arm to guide specialized instruments and implants to the precise locations planned during the preoperative phase. The robotic arm provides real-time feedback to Dr. Ortega, allowing for adjustments to be made as needed during the procedure. This level of precision can help reduce the risk of complications, minimize damage to surrounding tissues, and improve surgical outcomes.

Contact Dr. Ortega’s practice, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn more about robotic-assisted spine surgery.

Which procedures are performed using MIS techniques?

Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at treating spinal conditions with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Examples of MIS surgery include:

• Microdiscectomy, procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root, performed through a small incision using a microscope. 
• Endoscopic Discectomy, procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve root, performed through a small incision using an endoscope (thin/fexible tube with a camera). 
• Laminotomy, partial removal of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal), performed through a small incision using a microscope. 
• Foraminotomy, enlargment of the foramen (openings through which spinal nerves exit the spinal canal), performed through a small incision using a microscope. 
• Laminectomy, complete removal of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal), performed through a small incision using a microscope. 
• Lumbar Interbody Fusion, surgery to stabilize the lumbar spine using small incisions and specialized instrumentation, often involving techniques such as LLIF/PLIF/TLIF.
• Kyphoplasty, procedures to treat vertebral compression fractures by injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra through a small incision, providing stability and pain relief.

Contact Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to learn if you can benefit from minimally invasive spine surgery.