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Minimally Invasive

What is minimally invasive spine surgery? Some orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons claim they perform minimally invasive back surgery, citing the incision size. However, the dissecting of the muscle and exposing of the spine causes tissue to die, a greater loss of blood, increased scar tissue and greater risk of infection — similar to open spine surgery.

According to Dr. Frank Bono, an orthopedic surgeon at Gulfcoast Spine, a true minimally invasive spine surgery spares muscle from being cut.

“We use a series of dilating tubes to spread the muscle tissue and create a tunnel from the skin surface to the spine that is about the width of a thumb,” he says. “We perform surgery through a retractor tube, which can be moved at will depending on the exposure needed. Once the repair is done, the tube is slowly removed. As you’re pulling the retractor out, you can literally watch the muscle fibers slide back into place.”

PACKING TOO MUCH?

Can backpacks be detrimental to the health of our spine? The answer is yes, according to a University of California study that used MRI scans to show how a backpack places heavy compression on the discs and increases the curvature of the lower spine.

“Whether you are a hiker or a student, you should carry no more than 10 pounds in your backpack,” says Dr. Bono says. “Make sure to wear a backpack that promotes balanced posture because the weight of the pack needs to be evenly distributed. Never attempt to tote your backpack using one arm.”