Minimally invasive options to disc surgery

Consumer consciousness, the evolution of non-operative specialties involved in pain management, a continuing trend toward outpatient versus inpatient procedures and cost concerns have all generated interest in minimally invasive options to spine surgery. Accompanying this movement are the aspirations of reduced convalescence, loss of functional limitations, lowered complications and diminished costs. Although new therapies offer future promise, there is currently a paucity of randomized controlled trials on these options. The following is a general review of several minimally invasive options to disc surgery.