Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery provides a safer, less risky alternative to traditional open procedures. It uses smaller incisions, reducing the risk of infection, heavy bleeding, and other complications. Orthopedic spine surgeon William Sheppard, MD, MPH, uses minimally invasive spine surgery at his practice in Santa Monica, California, to treat various problems, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and arthritis. Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a minimally invasive surgery consultation, or book your visit online.

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is a spine surgery that accesses your spine without damaging the surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues.

Dr. Sheppard makes a small incision in your back or neck and inserts special tools. This approach lets Dr. Sheppard access specific areas of your spine using a smaller operating field. It reduces the risk of complications and eases recovery significantly.

Which back problems can minimally invasive spine surgery treat?

Dr. Sheppard uses minimally invasive spine surgery to treat various back problems, including:

• Cervical spondylosis (a degenerative disease that causes the vertebrae to shrink)
• Herniated discs
• Vertebral compression fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Spine instability

Sometimes, Dr. Sheppard uses minimally invasive surgery to treat spinal deformities, including kyphosis and scoliosis (abnormal spine curvatures).

Are there different types of minimally invasive spine surgery?

Dr. Sheppard specializes in several types of minimally invasive spine surgery, including:

Spinal decompression

Minimally invasive spinal decompression (MILD) treats the pain and discomfort caused by lumbar spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Dr. Sheppard removes the bone and/or ligaments compressing the nerves in your lower back. This relieves pressure on the surrounding nerves, easing pain and restoring mobility.

Discectomy

A discectomy removes part or all of a herniated intervertebral disc. Removing the damaged part of the disc takes pressure off the surrounding nerves and tissues, relieving pain and restoring mobility.

Spinal fusion/fixation

You might benefit from spinal fusion surgery if you have osteoporosis or another degenerative disease that causes two or more vertebrae to rub together. Spinal fusion melds the bones and prevents excess movement. This improves spinal stability and relieves pain.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery provides many benefits compared with traditional open procedures. These benefits include:

• Decreased blood loss in the operating room
• Shorter procedures
• Quicker recovery
• Smaller, less noticeable scars
• Reduced risk of infection

Minimally invasive surgery is less painful. Less muscle and other tissue damage happens, so many people report fewer symptoms like soreness, swelling, and low mobility.

Call the office of William Sheppard, MD, today to schedule a minimally invasive spine surgery consultation, or book your appointment online.