MIS-OLLIF has advanced to the use of percutaneous systems, specific spinal instrumentation, use of tiny cameras (endoscopic) and magnifying instruments made negligibly invasive spine surgery conceivable. Points of interest of minimally invasive spine surgery are small skin incisions, muscle fiber dilatation along the natural plane using sequential dilators, reduced bone removal and blood loss. There is significant diminishing of post-op pain and quicker recovery time after surgery. Often times, it can be done as out-patient.

What is involved in MIS-OLLIF surgery:

• The targeted spine and disc were precisely mapped using bi-planar fluoroscopes
• The Target disc was approached using sequential dilators to about 26 mm. Intra-operative real time neuro-monitoring is used to ensure that spinal cord, nerves and neural structures are out of the surgical field.
• The arthritic joint and bone spur that compress the nerves were removed.
• The damaged disc is evacuated under direct visualization with high magnification through the small tube.
• A specialized spinal implant and bone graft is set into the void disc space to restore the disc height.
• Percutaneous Pedicle screws and rods are inserted through small stab incisions using Microspine approach to hold the spine together and to give stability of the construct during healing process.
• Incisions were closed using Dissolvable sutures.
• The patient will be instructed to wear a back brace to support recovery and encourage proper healing.