Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion Specialist

What is a spine fusion?

Spine fusion is a surgical procedure in which two vertebrae are permanently joined together. The procedure stabilizes your spine and relieves pain by removing a damaged disc and eliminating motion between spinal vertebrae. It can also be done to correct a deformity.

What conditions are treated with a spinal fusion?

You may need a spinal fusion when you have any of the following painful back conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Fractured vertebrae
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped disc)
• Compressed or pinched nerves
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Spinal infections
• Spinal instability
• Tumors in your spine

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is performed using small incisions (less than an inch long) and specialized surgical instruments in tiny tubes that can be inserted through the incisions.

Using an operating microscope or an endoscope — a thin, fiber-optic tube containing a camera and lighting — Dr. Shulman has a high-definition, magnified view of the surgical site and can complete microsurgery without a traditional, large, open incision.

How is spine fusion surgery performed?

Dr. Shulman uses different techniques that access your spine from the front, back, or side, depending on your underlying condition and the area of the spine being fused. No matter which technique is the best option for you, the procedure follows similar steps.

To perform a spinal fusion, Dr. Shulman removes the damaged disc, then replaces it with material that promotes bone growth between the adjoining vertebrae.

Several materials effectively promote bone fusion, including a traditional bone graft using your own bone, synthetic bone replacement, or a fusion cage. The fusion cage is a small device that’s filled with bone graft substitutes containing growth factors that trigger bone regeneration.

Are your muscles cut during minimally invasive spine surgery?

No, your muscles are not cut during minimally invasive spine fusion. Dr. Shulman uses a tubular retractor that progressively dilates muscles, creating an opening for surgical tools without cutting muscles or soft tissues. Once your surgery is finished, the tubular retractor is removed, and the muscles return to their original position intact.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive spine fusion surgery?

Your body suffers significantly less trauma due to the tiny incisions and maintaining healthy muscles. As a result, you gain health benefits such as:

• Minimal scarring
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Reduced risk of infection
• Diminished postoperative pain
• Faster recovery

If you continue to have back pain, call The Florida Center for Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery or book an appointment online.