Before your surgery, you will be referred for diagnostic imaging, which may include and MRI, x-rays and/or CT scan.  It’s imperative to discuss any and all medications and supplements that you take with your surgeon before your procedure.  Some medications or supplements may need to be stopped several days or weeks prior to your MISS due to bleeding disorders and other contraindications.

Antibiotics will be prescribed before and for a short time after your surgery.  

If you smoke or drink alcohol on a regular basis, it’s imperative that you stop before your surgery, and minimize or alleviate these substances after your surgery for less complications and to provide optimal healing and recovery.

If you exercise, staying active before your procedure can help to shorten your recovery time. After your procedure a post-operative plan will be provided for physical therapy and at home stretching and strengthening exercises if appropriate.

With open spinal surgery, a long vertical incision is made to access the spinal column. The incision can be on the back, abdomen or chest depending on the area. With Minimally invasive spinal surgery, the incision is smaller. Most times one or two incisions are all that are needed for MISS.

A fluoroscope provides moving X-rays of your spine and allows the surgeon to decide which are best for the incision, as well as real time images of your spine during the surgery.  An instrument known as a microscope, allows the surgeon and his team a view on a monitor in the operating room.  Tiny instruments can be passed through the incision or guided through the nearby tubular retractors.

A tubular retractor helps to minimize any disruption to the nerves and muscles in the spine. This retractor is tube-shaped, hence the name, and provides a means to reach the area of the spine that is damaged, as well as the transportation of the tiny instrumentation.  

After your MISS procedure is finished, the incision(s) are closed with stitches, glue, or staples., and a small bandage is applied.

Many MISS procedures are done in an outpatient setting. If this is the case, you will be discharged a few hours after your surgery. This allows the medical team time to evaluate your initial recovery and make sure you don’t have any issues or reactions. 

A designated driver will need to take you home. You will need to have this preplanned before your surgery.  Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription drugs can be taken for any discomfort, but many patients don’t feel the need to take anything.  It all depends on the severity of your surgery and condition.  

Bleeding should not be an issue, but there may be a small amount of bleeding immediately after your surgery.  You should not do anything strenuous and try to limit your movements for the allotted time period your orthopedic surgeon designates for you. You may be asked to wear a stabilizing back brace.

Physical therapy provides strategic muscle strengthening, stretching, and stabilization that is specific to each patient. Sforzo | Dillingham | Stewart Orthopedics + Sports Medicine has a group of elite physical therapists on site, making our treatment patient care and communication convenient for patients and ideal for our practitioners.