Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery or MISS is a new surgical technique used to treat spinal disorders in both the neck, and lower back. This technique is based on the idea of performing spinal surgery through a smaller and more precise incision that allows the patient to have a faster recovery and a better surgical experience.
The MISS technological advances have not only given spine surgeons a new way to perform spinal surgery, but they’ve also enabled the surgery to be performed in an outpatient setting. The combination of MISS in an outpatient setting is called Outpatient Spine Surgery or OPSS. These two advances have revolutionized spine surgery. Patients can now have their surgery performed in a comfortable atmosphere, and many patients can return home the day of surgery instead of having the two- to three-day hospital stay for a traditional spinal surgery.
MISS is a viable alternative to traditional open surgical procedures in selected patients. MISS is performed to treat varied spinal disorders, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated disc both lumbar and cervical and spinal stenosis. Some patients might not be a candidate for MISS because of certain medical conditions or the extensive nature of their disorder. In these patients, traditional open surgery is recommended.
Although the goal of a MISS is to minimize the size of the incision and the exposure of the spine, MISS is still able to perform the same surgery as an open surgery. The development of MISS was made possible by the use of specialized instrumentation such as the microscope, as well as smaller and enhanced equipment with advanced imaging. These tools allow the surgeon to avoid disrupting soft tissues, such as muscles, in the spine, resulting in less post-surgery pain and faster recovery. These procedures are typically safer, quicker, and promote a more efficient recovery than traditional spine surgery.
The many benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery include:
- Smaller incision(s)
- Less blood loss
- Lower muscle and soft tissue damage
- Lower risk of infection
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Reduced pain medication use
- Faster recovery
- An outpatient setting for surgery
While MISS often focuses on the size of the incision, it’s really a larger concept of being minimally traumatic to the body. As such, there is a pre-surgical protocol that begins the night before surgery and continues through surgery. This protocol includes specialized medications and anesthesia to minimize the pain and discomfort associated with MISS.
“I am very lucky to have Dr. Tyndall he is very professional and an excellent surgeon He came very highly recommended by several Doctors I was nervous and concerned with having fusion surgery but because of him I can say I am definitely on the road to recovery and having my quality of life back!!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Dwight Tyndall is the BEST orthopedic surgeon on the planet! He is always concerned about your overall health and gives the best care ever. His bedside manner is beyond exceptional. You always feel comfortable with him and you know you are receiving excellent treatment. I had back problems for over 5 years and not one doctor could help me until I met him. After one visit, I knew I would finally have the relief I was looking for. His nurse Carrie is wonderful and very attentive as well!”
– Laurie via healthgrades.com
“Not only do I completely trust Dr. Tyndall to have performed cervical & lumbar fusions in my spine, but also he completely trusted me. Dr. Tyndall has been my spine surgeon for nearly 3 yrs. He provides all information needed & answers any questions with ease & friendliness. Dr. Tyndall is very professional, yet has a unique way about him to understand my concerns & makes me feel comfortable as a human being. Doctor has a genuine concern for your well-being. He has improved my livelihood 100%.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall, Nurse Carrie and NP Tamara Lee are the most compassionate, knowledgeable and helpful medical professionals I’ve ever met. I highly recommend their services! I was experiencing excruciating pain as a result of a herniated disc. Not only did they listen to me, they did everything they could to help me, including performing a MUCH NEEDED urgent surgery to fix my back problems, on Christmas Eve! Although I am still in the recovery process I feel 100% better. I am forever thankful!”
– Melissa M. via healthgrades.com
“I cannot say enough about Dr. Tyndall and Nurse Carrie. After having back pain which was unrelieved by pain management, I was very skeptical that my pain could ever be relieved. Dr. Tyndall saw me promptly, reviewed my films, and explained my care plan in language I could understand. I had surgery and was back to work in a few weeks. I am so happy that Dr. Tyndall performed my surgery. I have been pain-free ever since. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall to anyone wanting quality care.”
– Jeff via healthgrades.com
“I have been working with Dr. Tyndall and his team of specialist for the past 2.5 years. They correctly diagnosed my condition and offered me options and alternatives before deciding to correct my physical some issues. I am still far away for being healthy, but I feel I am receiving the best care, advice, and the options to solve my condition long term. His team was the first I got listen to my concerns and provide the proper diagnosis and solution. I have long term PT, but I know I am on the path to recovery long term success.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“I have been a patient of Dr. Tyndall since 2009 and I am very pleased with the level of service and commitment he has towards his patients. He does not do surgery unless it is the only solution to your medical problem, in other words as a last resort. His nurse Carrie is so helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, she makes you very comfortable during your visit. I would highly recommend him.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall is by far the best doctor i have ever seen. Went to other specialists and was told that there was nothing they could do for me. Have not felt this good in years but he has done great work on me. I highly recommend Dr. Tyndall.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Was very personable from the first time I meet him! Always concerned about what was going on before and after my surgery. His nurse Kerri is always pleasant and nice to talk to. Had to call her a couple of times, and she had no problem calling me back every time I called! And helped me with all my questions. She took time on her day off to bring my neck brace to the surgery center, because she had to order one because they were out of my size. That just goes to show the Big Hearts they have for their patients that they take care of and help! Both are Awesome!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Dwight Tyndall has gifted hands. He and his team did a wonderful job in surgery on my spine; afterwards, no pain, short rehab, good to go. Got back problems? This IS your guy!”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
“Dr. Tyndall has become my hero. He has helped with my chronic back pain and I am forever thankful. He was always willing to listen and encouraged me to contact his staff with any questions. When I did have a question, I never was made to feel like I was a bother and that I truly mattered. This doctor and his staff are worth every penny. So glad I found Dr. Tyndall.”
– Self-Verified patient via vitals.com
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Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon
Dwight S. Tyndall, MD, FAAOS
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