Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis using Device

Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis is a technique that incorporates advanced technology and devices to enhance the minimally invasive approach to spinal fusion surgery. The goal of this method is to stabilize the spine, relieve pain, and promote healing while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and promoting a faster recovery.

We incorporate the Minuteman® spinal fixation system with the Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis. The Minuteman® system is a type of pedicle screw system designed to help stabilize the spine during spinal fusion surgery, particularly in a minimally invasive approach. It is one of the devices used to reduce the size of the incision and minimize the impact on surrounding soft tissues while maintaining the effectiveness of the procedure.

What is the Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis with Minuteman® System?

1. Minimally Invasive: The system allows doctor to insert screws with smaller incisions compared to traditional open spinal fusion procedures. The device is specifically designed to be used with minimally invasive techniques that minimize muscle dissection and soft tissue trauma.
2. Simplified Pedicle Screw Insertion: The Minuteman® system typically uses pre-assembled screws and instrumentation, which simplifies the process of screw placement. This reduces the need for multiple steps during surgery and may improve surgical efficiency and accuracy.
3. Reduced Risk of Muscle and Soft Tissue Damage: Because the Minuteman® system is designed for minimally invasive access, there is less disruption to the muscles and soft tissues, which can lead to less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery.
4. Rod and Screw Design: It uses specialized screws and rods to provide spinal stabilization. The screws are inserted into the pedicles (the bony parts of the vertebrae), and the rods are used to link the screws together and keep the vertebrae in the proper alignment.
5. Efficient and Precise: The system is engineered to help surgeons achieve precise screw placement through smaller incisions, reducing the risk of complications associated with inaccurate placement. It often uses fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) to assist in screw placement, increasing the precision of the procedure.

How Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis Using Minuteman® is Performed

1. Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient will be asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
2. Small Incision: A small incision (typically 1-2 inches) is made over the affected area of the spine, providing access to the vertebrae that need to be fused.
3. Insertion of Minuteman® Screws: The Minuteman® system allows the doctor to insert pedicle screws through the small incision. The screws are typically pre-assembled and inserted using specialized instrumentation that guides the screws precisely into the pedicles.

• Placement of Rods: Once the screws are placed into the vertebrae, rods are attached to the screws to stabilize the spine. The rods help hold the vertebrae in the correct position while the fusion takes place.

Recovery After Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis Using Minuteman®

• Same day procedure at Ambulatory surgical center:  Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, no hospital stay is required. It is performed as same day procedure at the Ambulatory Surgical Center.
• Pain Management: Patients often experience less postoperative pain due to the smaller incision and reduced muscle disruption. Pain management strategies may include medication and physical therapy.

• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation is typically needed to help strengthen the back muscles, improve mobility, and facilitate healing.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Posterior Arthrodesis Using Minuteman®

1. Less Soft Tissue Disruption: The system minimizes muscle and tissue damage, leading to reduced pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
2. Smaller Incisions: The procedure uses small incisions, which results in less scarring and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
3. Quicker Recovery Time: Because the procedure is less invasive, patients typically experience a quicker return to normal daily activities.
4. Reduced Blood Loss: Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption generally result in less blood loss compared to traditional spinal surgery.
5. Improved Surgical Accuracy: The Minuteman® system simplifies the placement of pedicle screws, and the use of fluoroscopy or navigation systems improves the precision of the surgery, which reduces the risk of complications and improves the chances of a successful outcome.
6. Less Postoperative Pain: Due to the smaller incisions and reduced muscle dissection, many patients report experiencing less postoperative pain compared to traditional spinal fusion.

Risks and Complications

While Minuteman® and minimally invasive spinal surgery are generally associated with fewer complications compared to traditional surgery, there are still potential risks, including:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, although the risk is generally lower with minimally invasive procedures.
• Nerve Injury: Although rare, there is a risk of injury to the spinal nerves, which could lead to weakness, numbness, or even paralysis if the nerves are damaged.
• Non-Union: The bones may fail to fuse properly, requiring additional surgery or interventions.
• Hardware Complications: The screws or rods used for stabilization can sometimes loosen, shift, or break, requiring revision surgery.
• Bleeding or Blood Clots: There is a small risk of bleeding or the formation of blood clots postoperatively.