Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: An Overview.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spine Surgery

Background:

• Spine surgery is shifting towards minimally invasive approaches.
• This transition is influenced by an aging population, patient preferences, and evolving reimbursement.
• Advancements in intraoperative imaging and navigation facilitate minimally invasive techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the transformation towards minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS).
• To discuss factors driving the adoption of MISS.
• To address the challenges and ongoing efforts in optimizing patient selection for MISS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current trends and technological advancements in spinal surgery.
• Analysis of factors influencing the shift from open to minimally invasive techniques.
• Discussion of algorithms and strategies for patient selection in MISS.

Main Results:

• Minimally invasive surgical techniques are increasingly replacing traditional open approaches.
• Intraoperative imaging and navigation technologies are crucial for MISS.
• Patient selection remains a critical factor for successful MISS outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive spinal surgery represents a significant paradigm shift.
• Continued research is needed to refine patient selection and optimize MISS techniques.
• Investigating combinations of MISS approaches aims to enhance surgical workflow, safety, and efficiency.