Although minimally invasive spine surgery is the direction in which much of the medical field is headed, it is not necessarily right for everyone in every situation.
For example, a group of Orthopaedic surgeons were asked what would be their treatment of choice if they, themselves, suffered from a degenerative disk in their low back.
About 83% chose the traditional methods with which they were familiar. About 7% chose the newer technique (total disk replacement).
When asked why, their answers reflected an uncertainty about the long term viability of the disk replacement material and the possibility that this new type of surgery would be over-prescribed by doctors.
It is best to study your options and have a conversation with your doctor to determine which procedure is right for you.
