Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is available for a number of neurospinal disorders, ranging from degenerative diseases to spinal tumors. These procedures have potential to greatly benefit patients by reducing surgical risk, pain, blood loss, risk of infection, and time to recovery. Our specialists have extensive training and experience in minimally invasive spinal techniques, some of which can be performed in the outpatient setting. Instrumentation designed for these procedures allow for improved visualization and mobility.

 

 Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Cervical Spine

 

Indication	Minimally Invasive Procedure
Herniated discs	Foraminotomy and disectomy
Degenerative spinal disease	Foraminotomy Fusion
Fractures Trauma	Fusion
Tumors	Decompression Resection

 

 Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Thoracic Spine

 

Cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques for the thoracic spine include treatment for thoracic spinal tumors, which uses three to four small incicions through which the tumor can be removed. The voice-activated AESOP robotic arm aids in this surgery by following commands and helping to position the thoracoscopic camera for visualization. UCSF is also one of the only centers in the United States to offer minimally invasive transpedicular thoracic discectomies.

 

Indication	Minimally Invasive Procedure
Herniated discs with cord compression	Transpedicular disectomy Costotransversectomy
Fractures Instability	Fusion
Tumors	Thoracoscopic robotic surgery Posterior resection

 

 

Minimally Invasive Techniques for the Lumbar Spine

 

 

Indication	Minimally Invasive Procedure
Herniated discs Cauda equina syndrome	Disectomy Laminectomy
Spondylosis/ Spondylolisthesis	Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) Transferaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) Posterolateral fusion
Stenosis	Laminectomy
Tumors	Resection (with or without fusion)
Psuedoarthrosis	Revision fusion