Minimally Invasive Surgery

About Minimally Invasive Surgery | Benefits | Minimal Access Spinal Technologies | BMP | Spine surgeons at Summit

The spine surgeons at Summit Spinecare, located in the Minneapolis / St Paul Minnesota, stand at the forefront of minimally invasive surgical treatment. They can diagnose and treat many types of bone and joint problems using these highly advanced techniques. Use of minimally invasive surgical techniques decrease the recovery time of many patients because the surgical incisions are considerably smaller than conventional surgery and therefore less damaging to the other vital soft tissue structures.

	Dr. Nick Wills, fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Summit Spinecare in St Paul / Minneapolis MN, is specially trained in the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Learn more.

This form of surgery is proving to be particularly successful in joint replacement for arthritis as well as reconstruction of fractures and bones and realignment of extremities. In addition, these new techniques allow indirect fracture reduction and fixation, with less likelihood of injury to blood flow to vital structures and less harm to blood vessels and nerves. It is important to note that the technology used to perform minimally invasive orthopedic procedures has undergone significant advances in recent years and the surgeons at Summit Spine in Minnesota are continuing to improve and refine ways to make surgeries even less invasive.

Several weeks of recovery may be required for traditional “open” spine surgery as it may involve a three-inch long incision, in which muscles and tissues are separated for optimal access to the injury site. The surgery usually results in trauma to surrounding tissues and some blood loss. Because of this the affected tissues and muscles need adequate healing time.

Spine surgery then home, same day

Summit Spinecare uses state of the art minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation to help patients recover in a shorter period of time and allow for a quicker return home. Innovative developments in minimally invasive techniques have pioneered better ways for the surgeon to access the spine, moreover making the recovery process more seamless.

In minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged disc in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques.

Minimally invasive spine surgery requires extensive training and experience to master use of the tools, but there is tremendous benefit for the patient.

Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:

• Smaller incision and smaller scar
• Less damage to tissues and muscles
• Less blood loss
• Less post-operative pain
• Less painful recovery
• Quicker return to activity

Unlike many other spine care providers, the spine patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery at Summit Spinecare, locations in Woodbury, North Forest Lake, Hastings, St Paul, Eagan and Maplewood Minnesota, can often have their surgery on an outpatient basis and be home later the same day. Recovery in one’s own home can be more comfortable than staying in a hospital bed.

Minimal Access Spinal Technologies (MAST)

With the introduction of minimal access spinal technologies (MAST), spine surgeons can make a smaller incision, while at the same time accomplish identical results as open spine surgery. Due to the acute accuracy provided by these tools, surgeons can access the vertebrae through the narrow probes with surgical cameras and tools.

BMP: A better option when fusion is necessary

Oftentimes, bone is harvested from the hip of a patient during traditional fusion procedures. Unfortunately, this process may cause additional pain and discomfort. BMP, also known as “bone morphogenetic protein”, is a new bone-growth substance that eliminates the need for cutting bone from a person’s hip.

Trace protein extracts are found in bones and are required for the bone to heal or regenerate. A sufficient amount of the protein must be available in order to begin bone formation. Scientists have developed a usable form of BMP that is now being used in place of bone harvested from a patient’s hip. This bone graft is made from pure bone protein (minerals and collagen) and absorbable collagen sponge that promotes new bone formation. Studies show that the positive results achieved from surgery using BMP equal that of an autograft procedure (in which bone is taken from the hip).

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There are three fellowship-trained spine surgeons at Summit Spinecare in Minnesota.

Dr. Paul Hartleben is a spine-specialized, fellowship trained spine surgeon. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and specializes in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders and minimally invasive spine surgery. Click here to read more about Dr. Hartleben.

Dr. Bryan Lynn is a spine-specialized, board-certified and fellowship trained spine surgeon. Dr. Lynn specializes in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine disorders, he is proficient in minimally invasive spine surgery. Click here to read more about Dr. Lynn.

Dr. Nicholas Wills specializes in complex cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal disorders, with an emphasis on cervical spine disorders and minimally invasive spine surgery. He completed a Spine surgery fellowship at the Twin Cities Spine Center. Click here to read more about Dr. Wills. He sees patients at the Summit clinics in Downtown St. Paul, Woodlake and Eagan Minnesota.

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About Summit Spinecare | Spine Center approach to back and neck pain | Patient Success Stories | Spine Surgeons: Dr. Paul Hartleben | Dr. Bryan Lynn | Dr. Nicholas Wills | Nonsurgical Spine Physicians: Dr. John Dowdle | Dr. Thomas Cesarz | Dr. Kristen Zeller | Anatomy Library | Back and Neck Pain Prevention | Spine Pain Relief | Symptoms Chart | Educational Resources | How to Lift | Spine Conditions: | Back Pain | Neck Pain | Degenerative Disc | Herniated Disc | Spondylolysis | Spinal Stenosis | Scoliosis | Bone Spur | Spine Tumors | Back and Neck Pain Treatment | Spine Surgery | Contact Summit Spine Care | Woodbury Minnesota Location | Forest Lake Minnesota Location | Hastings Minnesota Location | St Paul Minnesota Location (near Saint Paul Cathedral) | Eagan Minnesota Location

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