Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Versus Traditional Open Approach

Abstract

Traditional open approaches in lumbar spine surgery are associated with increased rates of perioperative blood loss, prolonged hospital admissions, and acute postoperative pain scores compared with similar cases performed with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. Here, we provide evidence supporting 3 key benefits of a minimally invasive spine surgery technique for transforaminal interbody lumbar fusion (TLIF): (1) improved postoperative patient mobilization, (2) accelerated discharge times, and (3) lower infection and medical complication rates.