Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery for Patients in New Jersey

Scoliosis represents 20% of all US spinal deformity cases.  The onset of the disease most commonly occurs in young adolescents.  Every year, 74,000 emergency room visits are for ailments associated with this condition.

But care for scoliosis has changed drastically in recent times.  Along with surgical advances, doctors have turned to conservative options to treat scoliosis.  Among these are physical therapy, bracing, Pilates, Yoga and other strengthening and stretching regimes which can help many patients living with this challenge.

But when non-invasive treatments aren’t moving the patient’s condition forward, surgery is indicated.

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS).

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery is the answer to traditional surgical methodologies. At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, our lead surgeon Dr. Baron Lonner is one of the few practitioners of the VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery) method.

Deployed in only a handful of centers around the world, VATS represents a quantum leap in the realm of MISS delivery, rendering the procedure more precise, due to the use of an internal scope to guide the surgeon’s work.

Answering the traditional method.

The traditional approach to scoliosis surgery employed an anterior incision to reach affected vertebrae.  Implicated was a large incision in the chest cavity.  It was found, over time, that this method exposed the patient to more serious complications (lung infection being one of them).  The large scar and pain following the procedure further made it an undesirable approach.

The development of approaches to correcting disc anomalies through the back of the spine caused the anterior method to become less popular.  But a recent study has proven that the anterior approach, combined with the posterior approach and the use of pedicle screws, is highly effective for treating scoliosis, when VATS is an element of MISS procedures.

With the use of a scope and two very small incisions (one inch in length), VATS surgeries provoke less blood loss and take under an hour to perform.  There’s minimal scarring and reduced recovery time with this methodology.

An additional benefit is that healthy tissue undergoes less trauma with this technique, due to dilation technology which precludes the need to cut through adjacent muscle.

Who can benefit?

Patients who present a thoracic spinal curvature greater than 70° are target patients for this style of surgery.  Also, if the curvature is exceptionally rigid, MISS using the VATS method can be highly beneficial.

If you’re struggling with a severe scoliosis curvature, MISS utilizing VATS may be the answer, particularly if you’ve exhausted your non-invasive treatment options.

Compassionate care, at Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

With over 20 years in practice, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients with spinal deformities.  At Scoliosis and Spine, we’ve been successfully treating scoliosis with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery for patients in New Jersey, using VATS technology.

You’re in good hands with Dr. Lonner’s expertise.

We’re a team of compassionate professionals dedicated to quality care, enjoying exceptional patient outcomes.  We invite you to contact us for a consultation to explore the possibility of treating your scoliosis with leading edge surgical techniques.