Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery for Patients in California

Scoliosis accounts for 20% of spinal deformity cases in the USA and is most commonly diagnosed in patients under age 12.  74,000 emergency room visits every year are for symptoms arising from scoliosis.

In recent times, scoliosis therapy has changed dramatically.  While surgical innovation has been considerable, doctors often choose non-invasive treatments to address scoliosis.  Among these are Yoga, Pilates, physical therapy, bracing and other exercise regimes which can be very supportive for patients living with scoliosis.

But when conservative therapies don’t improve the patient’s quality of life, surgery is indicated.

About minimally invasive scoliosis surgery.

Minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) is a leading-edge response to traditional surgical techniques. At Scoliosis and Spine Associates, Dr. Baron Lonner is one of an elite group of global practitioners of VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic scoliosis surgery).

VATS is a giant step in the realm of MISS practice, making the intervention more precise, as the surgeon is guided by an internal scope.  VATS is only available in a small number of centers around the world.

A better approach.

A traditional approach to scoliosis surgery required an anterior (frontal) incision to reach vertebrae affected by scoliosis, through a sizeable incision in the chest cavity.  With time, the medical community concluded that this method exposed patients to serious complications (lung infection being one).  The large scar and pain after traditional surgery reduced its popularity as a chosen method.

Methodologies for correcting disc anomalies through the rear of the spine caused the anterior method to become less widely employed.  But a recent study has shown that the anterior approach, when combined with the posterior approach, implicating the use of pedicle screws, is a viable means of treating scoliosis, when VATS is deployed with MISS.

By using the internal scope only two small incisions (only one inch long) are required.  VATS procedures result in less blood loss and take under an hour to perform, with greatly reduced scarring and much shorter recovery times.

Another benefit of this style of surgery is that healthy tissue experiences much less trauma, due to dilation technology which precludes the need to cut through muscle.

Is MISS for you?

Patients with a thoracic spinal curvature of more than 70° are ideal candidates for this surgical technique.  MISS using the VATS method has resulted in exceptional patient outcomes.

If you’re struggling with an acute scoliosis curvature, MISS using VATS may be right for you, particularly if conservative treatment options have been exhausted, with no curvature mitigation.

Leading expertise at Scoliosis and Spine Associates.

With more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Baron Lonner has treated over 20,000 patients with spinal deformities.  At Scoliosis and Spine, we’ve seen extraordinary outcomes treating scoliosis with minimally invasive scoliosis surgery for patients in California, deploying MISS/VATS methods.

You’re in award-winning hands with Dr. Lonner.

Scoliosis & Spine is a team of highly trained professionals dedicated to quality care.  We invite you to contact us for a consultation to discuss MISS/VATS surgery to treat your scoliosis.