June 12, 2026

Spine conditions can make everyday activities difficult – for some patients, surgery may be the best option when other treatments no longer provide relief. Today, advances in technology are making many spine procedures less invasive than ever before.

WashU Medicine orthopedic spine surgeon Mark Lambrechts, MD, explains how minimally invasive spine surgery is helping patients recover faster, experience less pain and get back to their daily lives sooner.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) is an approach that allows surgeons to treat certain spine conditions through much smaller incisions than traditional spine surgery.

In traditional “open” spine surgery, muscles in the back are often moved away from the spine to allow access to the surgical area. Minimally invasive techniques are designed to preserve those muscle attachments and protect normal tissue whenever possible. This can lead to less pain during recovery and improved muscle function after surgery.

How Does It Work?

Minimally invasive procedures use specialized tools that allow surgeons to see and operate on the spine through very small openings.

Depending on the condition being treated, surgeons may use:

• Tubular retractors (“tubes”)
• Endoscopic technology (“scopes”)
• High-definition magnified visualization

One of the newest advancements is endoscopic spine surgery, which allows certain procedures to be performed through an incision as small as 7 to 8 millimeters. These techniques can be especially effective for procedures such as nerve decompressions and discectomies, often allowing patients to return home the same day.

How Do Robotics and Navigation Improve Spine Surgery?

Technology plays an important role in making spine surgery more precise and helping surgeons perform procedures through smaller incisions.

At WashU Medicine, surgeons use advanced navigation systems and robotic technology to help improve precision during procedures. These tools assist with the placement of screws and implants during spinal fusion surgeries, providing a highly accurate roadmap during surgery.

By combining surgical expertise with advanced technology, spine surgeons can perform complex procedures while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

While not every patient is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, those who are may experience several benefits, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less muscle damage
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Less stiffness during recovery
• Earlier return to walking and daily activities
• Reduced need for pain medication after surgery
• Shorter hospital stays, often going home the same day or the next day

Many patients notice that they are able to move more comfortably and regain mobility sooner compared with traditional open procedures.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery depends on the specific procedure and the patient’s overall health, but minimally invasive surgery is designed to support early movement and healing.

Most patients return home either the same day as surgery or the following day. Walking is encouraged soon after surgery because early mobility can help support recovery and reduce complications.

Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You?

Not every spine condition can be treated with a minimally invasive approach. The best treatment depends on several factors, including the specific diagnosis, the severity of symptoms and a patient’s overall health.

Our spine specialist can evaluate your condition and determine whether minimally invasive techniques may be an option.

As technology continues to advance, minimally invasive spine surgery is helping more patients find relief from pain while reducing the impact of surgery on their daily lives.

Learn why patients choose WashU Medicine Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.