Spine surgery has advanced significantly in recent years. OrthoIndy Spine Surgeon Dr. M. Craig McMains says many of the minimally invasive spine technologies and techniques now available at OrthoIndy have only emerged in the past year or two — and are primarily offered to patients in Indiana through OrthoIndy.
“Spine surgery is evolving rapidly with groundbreaking technology,” Dr. McMains says. “At OrthoIndy, we are leading the way by integrating robotics, augmented reality, artificial intelligence and advanced imaging to deliver the most precise, minimally invasive care to help patients recover faster.”
What is minimally invasive spine surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery refers to surgical techniques that use smaller incisions and specialized instruments to reduce trauma to muscles and surrounding tissues. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, which requires cutting through large sections of muscle, these surgical techniques involve tiny incisions, often less than an inch long, leading to faster recovery and reduced pain.
“No other group in the state has made the commitment to minimally invasive spine surgery like OrthoIndy,” says Dr. McMains. “We develop the techniques, gather the data on their outcomes and teach other surgeons how to do it. Our focus is always on getting patients back to their regular lives as quickly as possible.”
Key benefits
- Smaller incisions – Less tissue damage means a quicker recovery.
- Reduced pain – Patients typically experience less post-operative pain and require fewer pain medications.
- Shorter hospital stays – Many procedures can be done on an outpatient basis or with just an overnight stay.
- Lower infection risk – Smaller incisions decrease the likelihood of infections.
- Faster recovery – Patients often return to daily activities and work sooner than with traditional surgery.
Technology revolutionizes patient care
As minimally invasive techniques continue to evolve, new technologies are playing a crucial role in transforming spine surgery to enhance precision, reduce risks and improve patient outcomes.
“What excites me most about spine surgery is the transformative impact of enabling technologies,” says Dr. Greg Poulter, OrthoIndy spine surgeon. For decades, procedures saw only incremental improvements, but advancements like artificial intelligence are now revolutionizing OrthoIndy’s approach.
“By analyzing MRIs and CTs with AI, we can identify patterns and optimize surgical planning in ways never before possible,” says Dr. Poulter. “We’ve pioneered this shift — starting several years ago to integrate robotics and AI.”
OrthoIndy’s advanced technologies
- Endoscopic spine surgery – Uses a small camera inserted through a tiny incision to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other conditions with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Robotic-assisted spine surgery – Enhances precision and accuracy, reducing risks and improving patient outcomes.
- 3D imaging and navigation – Provides real-time guidance to surgeons, ensuring more precise placement of implants and reducing complications.
- Laser and radiofrequency procedures – Used to treat nerve pain and disc issues with minimal tissue disruption.
Conditions treated
OrthoIndy’s spine specialists use minimally invasive surgery to treat a variety of spinal conditions:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Spinal fractures
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities, to name a few.
What to expect before, during and after surgery
Patients considering minimally invasive spine surgery can expect:
- Thorough evaluation – A consultation to determine if a non-surgical procedure or minimally invasive surgery is the best option.
- Minimally invasive procedure – If surgery is warranted, it will most likely be performed using endoscopy technology allowing access to the spine through the abdomen or side to avoid injury to the back muscles and spinal nerves.
- Post-surgery recovery – Many patients walk within hours of surgery and return home the same or next day.
Why choose OrthoIndy for spine surgery?
Our fellowship-trained spine surgeons are leaders in the field, using the latest techniques and technologies to improve patient outcomes. Our commitment to comprehensive patient-centered care ensures that each treatment plan is tailored to the individual to enhance effectiveness while minimizing downtime.
No other group in the state is as committed to minimally invasive spine surgery as OrthoIndy, continuously refining techniques and sharing knowledge to improve patient care across the field.
Give us a call to learn more
Visit OrthoIndy.com or call 317.802.2000 to schedule an appointment with one of our spine specialists today.
