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For many patients, scoliosis can cause not only visible spinal curvature but also pain, fatigue, and reduced mobility. Traditional scoliosis surgery often required large incisions and lengthy recovery times — but today, minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) offers a new path. By using smaller incisions and advanced navigation systems, surgeons can correct spinal deformities with less pain, reduced scarring, and faster return to normal activities.
New methods such as the “coin-hole” approach, highlighted in a recent clinical study, demonstrate how advanced tools and imaging can achieve excellent outcomes with smaller surgical footprints. These innovations are reshaping what recovery looks like for scoliosis patients — bringing motion and comfort back into daily life.
You might also want to learn more about the surgery options to treat adult scoliosis.
Understanding Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) focuses on correcting spinal curvature while preserving surrounding muscles and ligaments. Instead of a single long incision, surgeons make a few small openings to insert instruments and corrective rods. Real-time imaging guides the process, ensuring accuracy without extensive exposure of the spine.
Open vs. Minimally Invasive Approaches
Traditional open surgery requires a long midline incision to visualize the entire spine, which can lead to greater muscle trauma and postoperative discomfort. In contrast, MISS relies on tubular retractors and image guidance to place screws and rods through smaller access points.
The result is less scarring, faster wound healing, and shorter hospital stays — all while maintaining precise alignment.
Who Is a Candidate?
MISS is best suited for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or moderate spinal deformities with flexible curves, generally under 70 degrees. The best candidates are those seeking faster recovery and smaller scars without compromising correction.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. Navarro evaluates each patient’s spinal flexibility, bone quality, and overall health. In some cases of severe or rigid scoliosis, traditional open approaches may still provide better results.
Key Minimally Invasive Techniques
MISS encompasses several approaches designed to minimize trauma while maintaining corrective power. Each technique is chosen based on the patient’s age, curve pattern, and goals for recovery and motion preservation.
1. Endoscopic and Video-Assisted Techniques
These methods use a small camera (endoscope) to visualize the spine through short incisions. Instruments are inserted via tubular retractors to reduce muscle damage. Surgeons can precisely correct thoracic curves with less bleeding and quicker recovery. Studies show reduced postoperative pain and improved cosmetic outcomes.
2. Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
Vertebral Body Tethering is a motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion, mainly used in adolescents. By placing screws and a flexible cord along the convex side of the curve, surgeons guide spinal growth to correct the deformity over time. Performed through small thoracoscopic incisions, VBT helps maintain spinal flexibility and natural motion.
3. Mini-Open Spinal Fusion
The mini-open posterior fusion technique combines stability with minimal tissue disruption. Using short incisions and specialized retractors, surgeons place pedicle screws and rods while preserving healthy muscle. Clinical studies have shown comparable correction results to traditional fusion, with less blood loss and shorter hospitalization.
4. Image-Guided Instrumentation
Modern MISS depends on 3D navigation, robotic systems, and real-time imaging. These technologies allow surgeons like Dr. Navarro to position screws and rods with millimetric accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure and operative time. The result: enhanced safety, stability, and predictability of surgical outcomes.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
MISS offers a balance between precision correction and faster recovery. Its benefits go beyond aesthetics — they impact comfort, mobility, and long-term spine health.
Reduced Blood Loss and Muscle Trauma
Smaller incisions and muscle-sparing approaches result in significantly less bleeding and inflammation. This helps decrease transfusion rates and promotes smoother healing.
Shorter Recovery and Faster Return to Activity
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 3–5 days and can walk within 24–48 hours. Compared to open surgery, they experience fewer wound complications and return to school, work, or sports much sooner.
Less Postoperative Pain
With reduced tissue damage, patients require fewer pain medications and recover more comfortably. This also allows for earlier physical therapy, which improves mobility and alignment maintenance.
Long-Term Stability and Motion Preservation
Long-term outcomes show sustained correction and spinal balance for years after surgery. By protecting muscles and ligaments, MISS helps patients maintain better posture, flexibility, and strength — reducing the risk of future degeneration.
Risks and Considerations
While MISS offers many advantages, it’s not right for everyone. Complex curves, severe deformities, or multiple-level fusions may require open surgery for optimal correction. MISS also demands advanced training and specialized equipment, emphasizing the importance of an experienced surgeon.
Dr. Navarro’s expertise ensures careful patient selection and surgical planning using detailed imaging, navigation, and individualized strategies to reduce risks and maximize safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes minimally invasive scoliosis surgery different from traditional surgery?
MISS uses smaller incisions and navigation-guided tools instead of a long open incision. This approach reduces pain, blood loss, and scarring while achieving similar correction to traditional fusion.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are walking within 1–2 days and return to light activity in a few weeks. Full recovery and spinal fusion (if performed) may take several months, depending on the patient’s condition and physical therapy progress.
Who is an ideal candidate for minimally invasive scoliosis surgery?
Patients with flexible, moderate curves and good bone quality are excellent candidates. Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and adults with mild to moderate deformities often benefit most.
Does minimally invasive surgery provide the same correction as open surgery?
Yes. For moderate curves, MISS provides comparable alignment and stability with less tissue damage. Severe or rigid deformities, however, may still require open surgery for optimal visualization and correction.
Is vertebral body tethering permanent?
VBT is designed to guide spinal growth and may not require removal once correction is achieved. In some cases, the tether can be adjusted or removed as the patient reaches skeletal maturity.
Advanced Scoliosis Care with Dr. Gustavo Navarro
Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery represents a major step forward in spine care — offering effective correction with less pain and quicker recovery. Dr. Gustavo Navarro and his team at Spine Center Vallarta combine state-of-the-art technology with compassionate, personalized care to help patients restore confidence, mobility, and comfort.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with scoliosis and want to explore modern, less invasive options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Navarro today to discuss the best treatment for your spine health and long-term wellbeing.
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