Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

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Classic Minimally Invasive Techniques

Dr. Papadopoulos performs the following minimally invasive techniques:

 

Discectomy or Microdiscectomy

 

The classic microdiscectomy is performed using tubular retractors with a diameter of 12mm to 20mm. The muscle trauma is minimal—comparable to that caused by an arthroscope. However, unlike arthroscopy, the disc is directly visualized with the help of a microscope, ensuring that the safety of the microdiscectomy is equivalent to that of a conventional microdiscectomy, which requires an incision of about 2 to 3 cm.

 

Percutaneous Spinal Fusion

 

In percutaneous spinal fusion, pedicle screws are placed into the vertebrae after guiding needles are inserted into the correct positions using fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging). This allows for a spinal fusion to be performed with small incisions directly over the vertebrae involved. Additionally, an intervertebral implant can be inserted, creating a 360° fusion.

 

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

 

With the aid of fluoroscopic imaging, a needle is first inserted into the affected vertebra. It is then replaced with a cannula, through which bone cement is injected, stabilizing the vertebral fracture. This technique is used for fractures caused by osteoporosis, metastases, or hematologic and solid tumors.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Which minimally invasive techniques does Dr. Papadopoulos perform on the spine?

Dr. Papadopoulos performs the following classic techniques:

  • discectomy or microdiscectomy, using tubular retractors and a microscope,
  • percutaneous spinal fusion, with small incisions directly over the vertebrae involved,
  • vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, to stabilize a vertebral fracture.

The procedure is performed using tubular retractors with a diameter of 12 mm to 20 mm, so the muscle trauma is minimal, comparable to that caused by an arthroscope. Unlike arthroscopy, the disc is directly visualized with the help of a microscope. This makes the safety equivalent to that of a conventional microdiscectomy, which requires an incision of about 2 to 3 cm.

In vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, a needle is first inserted into the affected vertebra with the aid of fluoroscopic imaging. It is then replaced with a cannula, through which bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture. This technique is used for fractures caused by osteoporosis, metastases, or hematologic and solid tumors.