Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

1. Smaller Incisions: Unlike traditional spine surgery, which often requires a long incision to access the spine, minimally invasive spine surgery typically involves one or more small incisions, usually less than an inch in length each. This minimizes the damage to muscles and other soft tissues.
2. Advanced Imaging and Navigation: Dr. Colman uses advanced imaging techniques, such as fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) or intraoperative CT scans, to guide their instruments during the procedure. These tools allow for precise targeting of the affected area while avoiding damage to surrounding structures.
3. Specialized Instruments: Minimally invasive spine surgery employs specialized surgical instruments that are designed to work through narrow pathways. These instruments such as endoscopes, tubular retractors and special microscopes, allow Dr. Colman to move or cut tissues without the need for large, open exposure of the spine.
4. Reduced Recovery Time: Because there is less damage to muscles and other tissues there is less bleeding and reduced risk of infection. This means patients generally experience less postoperative pain, less need for pain medications, and a faster recovery. Hospital stays are often shorter, and some procedures may even be performed on an outpatient basis.
5. Better cosmetic results: Smaller incisions create smaller scars.
6. Lower Risk of Complications: With smaller incisions and less disruption to the body, there is typically a lower risk of infection, blood loss, and other complications associated with spine surgery.

• Herniated discs
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spinal instability including spondylolisthesis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal deformities (like scoliosis)
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal infections
• Vertebral compression fractures

1. Microdiscectomy: Removal of part of a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve.
2. Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebral bone called the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
3. Cervical foraminotomy: Minimally invasive cervical nerve decompression
4. Minimally invasive TLIF: This is a specialized procedure in which the spinal nerves are decompressed, the spine realigned and stabilized, and the damaged disc is replaced by a small stabilizing spacer. Screws and small rods then hold the construct together so the previously unstable bones can heal together. This technique is typically used to treat spondylolisthesis or other forms of instability or deformity.
5. Lateral lumbar interbody fusion: This is a specialized procedure in which the spine is realigned and stabilized, and the damaged disc is replaced by a larger stabilizing spacer. The procedure is done through one small incision on the flank, approaching the spine from the side. Screws and small rods then may be used to hold the construct together so the previously unstable bones can heal together. This technique is typically used to treat spondylolisthesis or other forms of instability or deformity.
6. Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: This is a specialized procedure in which the spine is realigned and stabilized, and the damaged disc is replaced by a large stabilizing spacer. Screws and small rods may be used to then hold the construct together so the previously unstable bones can heal together. This technique is typically used to treat spondylolisthesis or other forms of instability.
7. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Procedures to stabilize compression fractures in the spine using bone cement.

Minimally invasive spine surgery can be used for cervical and lumbar spine conditions. However, minimally invasive spine surgery is not suitable for every patient or every type of spinal condition. The decision to use minimally invasive surgery depends on several factors, including the specific diagnosis, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall health. Dr. Colman typically conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the best surgical approach for each individual.