Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at USMD Hospital at Arlington

Precision Care for a Faster Recovery

If you’re living with chronic neck or back pain and considering surgical treatment, the prospect of a long recovery, large incisions and potential complications can be daunting.

Fortunately, minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) offers an alternative to traditional open procedures—providing patients with less pain, shorter recovery times and smaller incisions, all without compromising results.

At USMD Hospital at Arlington, spine surgeons on the medical staff are highly trained in performing a wide range of spine surgeries including minimally invasive spine surgeries. With the advanced robotic guidance system and spinal navigation, our team offers patients precision care with outstanding outcomes.

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

“Minimally invasive spine surgery refers to a variety of techniques that allow surgeons to treat spinal conditions using small incisions and specialized instruments, often with the aid of microscopic or other specialized technology,” said Jarren Section, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington. “Unlike traditional ‘open’ spine surgery—which requires large incisions and significant muscle retraction—MISS minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.”

Minimally invasive procedures typically result in:

• Smaller incisions
• Less blood loss
• Lower risk of infection
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Quicker recovery and return to activity

MISS can be used to treat a variety of spine conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis and spinal instability.

Procedures That Can Be Performed Minimally Invasively

Minimally invasive techniques are employed in many different spine surgeries. Some of the most common include:

Minimally invasive discectomy/microdiscectomy: A discectomy removes part of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve. In the minimally invasive version of this surgery—often called microdiscectomy—surgeons use a small incision and a microscope or tubular retractor to access the spine. This results in less trauma to muscle and surrounding tissue, speeding up recovery.

Minimally invasive spinal fusion: Spinal fusion is used to stabilize the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae. Traditionally, this surgery required a large incision and significant muscle disruption. Today, with minimally invasive techniques, navigation technology and robotic guidance, surgeons can perform spinal fusion with small incisions, using specialized tools to insert screws and rods with extreme precision. This reduces recovery time and improves outcomes.

Advanced Technology: Robotics and Navigation

USMD Hospital at Arlington is dedicated to advanced options for spine surgery, in part due to its investment in advanced technologies that support minimally invasive approaches. Two of the most powerful tools available are the robotic guidance system and spinal navigation system.

“The robotic guidance system allows me, as the surgeon, to conduct highly detailed preoperative planning using 3D imaging of the patient’s spine,” said Dr. Section. “During the procedure, a robotic arm guides the surgeon’s tools along the precise path outlined in the plan. This guidance improves the accuracy of implant placement, especially in spinal fusion surgeries.”

Benefits of robotic assistance include:

• Pinpoint accuracy in placing screws and hardware
• Smaller incisions and less tissue trauma
• Fewer complications and reoperations
• Shorter hospital stays and faster healing

The state-of-the-art spinal navigation technology acts like a GPS system for the spine. It allows the surgeon to visualize the spine and surgical instruments in real time during the procedure, greatly enhancing precision.

Advantages of spinal navigation include:

• Better visualization of spinal anatomy
• Enhanced safety, especially in complex or revision surgeries
• Reduced need for intraoperative X-rays
• More confidence in achieving surgical goals

Together, these tools allow the surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington to perform minimally invasive spine surgery with exceptional accuracy and safety.

Why Choose USMD Hospital at Arlington?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is not just about smaller incisions—it’s about maximizing results while minimizing recovery time and risk. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, patients benefit from:

• Experienced spine surgeons
• Access to advanced robotic and navigation systems
• A personalized treatment approach based on each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle
• A patient-focused care team dedicated to optimizing recovery and comfort

Whether you need a discectomy, spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement, the spine surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington are equipped to provide the latest, least invasive techniques possible.

Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for You?

Not every spine condition requires surgery, and not every surgical case qualifies for a minimally invasive approach. However, many patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain caused by herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis may be excellent candidates.

If you’ve tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections without success, it may be time to explore surgical options. A consultation with an experienced spine surgeon will help determine the best approach for your specific condition.

Contact Us Today for a Consultation

At USMD Hospital at Arlington, we believe that patients deserve the most effective, least invasive care possible. If you’re living with chronic spine pain and considering surgery, don’t wait to explore your options.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced spine surgeon and learn more about how minimally invasive spine surgery—with the aid of robotic and navigation technology—can help you get back to living a fuller, pain-free life.