Minimally Invasive Tubular Retraction (MITR)?

Minimally Invasive Tubular Retraction – is a minimally invasive procedure that involves progressive dilation of the soft tissues/muscles with small tubes, as compared to cutting the muscles directly and peeling them off the bone. The entire surgery is then completed through these small tubes, usually 18mm’s or smaller. The tubes keep the muscles and soft tissues out of the way, allowing the spine surgeon to work without having to use a large open incision. This avoids the extensive muscle disruption during large open procedures. Once the procedure is done, the tubes are removed allowing the retracted muscles to come back together. 

What are the advantages of minimally invasive procedures?

When compared to the more traditional open surgery done with really long incisions, minimally invasive spine surgery approaches can be faster, safer, and require less recovery time. Many times, the surgery can be done using incisions several millimeters or less. Because of the reduced damage to the muscles and soft tissues during surgery, surgeries performed with MIS techniques can:

1. Have better cosmetic results because the incisions are smaller

2. Less scar tissue

3. Less blood loss

4. Less time under anesthesia

5. Reduced risk of muscle damage (since no cutting of the muscle is done and instead the muscle is moved to the side).

6. Faster recovery

7. Less rehabilitation is required

To see if you are a candidate for this procedure, please contact us today.