Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Oklahoma City
If you’ve been told you need spine surgery but you’re worried about a long recovery, Dr. Jeffrey A. Moore offers modern, minimally invasive options that are designed to relieve pain with smaller incisions, less disruption to muscle and soft tissue, and a smoother recovery.
- Smaller incisions
- Less muscle disruption
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to activity
When possible, Dr. Moore will review your MRI/X-rays and prior notes so your visit can focus on solutions, not just repeating your story.
Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Approach
Traditional “open” spine surgery requires a larger incision and more disruption of the muscles and tissues that support your spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses much smaller openings, specialized instruments, and advanced imaging to treat the same underlying problems with less trauma to the surrounding structures.
The goal is the same: relieve pressure on nerves, stabilize the spine when needed, and reduce pain. The difference is in how gently your spine and soft tissues are treated along the way.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery (often shortened to “MISS”) is not one single procedure. It’s a way of performing spine operations using smaller incisions and specialized tools to reach the spine through natural tissue planes instead of cutting through large amounts of muscle.
During a minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Moore typically makes a small incision and uses tubular retractors or portals to create a narrow pathway to the problem area. Through this working channel, he can remove disc fragments, bone spurs, or thickened ligaments, or place screws, rods, and interbody cages when fusion is necessary.
In many cases, advanced imaging and navigation tools are used during surgery so Dr. Moore can see the anatomy in real time and position instrumentation with a high degree of precision.
Minimally Invasive Procedures Dr. Moore May Use
The specific approach Dr. Moore recommends depends on your diagnosis, MRI findings, and overall health. Some common minimally invasive techniques include:
A targeted procedure to remove the herniated portion of a disc in the lower back that’s pressing on a nerve and causing sciatica, while leaving the healthy part of the disc in place.
A technique that places screws and rods through small incisions using imaging guidance to stabilize the spine for certain fractures, deformities, or degenerative conditions.
An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion done through a small incision in the front of the neck to remove a damaged disc and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments through a “keyhole” incision to remove herniated disc material while preserving the surrounding structures.
Fuses two or more vertebrae together using a small working channel to place bone graft and implants, helping stabilize the spine while reducing muscle trauma compared to traditional open fusion.
Advanced imaging and navigation tools can be used to guide instrumentation in real time, with the goal of improving accuracy and safety in complex cases.
Am I a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Not everyone with neck or back pain needs surgery. Many patients improve with non-surgical care such as physical therapy, medications when appropriate, and interventional pain procedures.
You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure if:
- You have ongoing pain, weakness, or numbness despite conservative treatment.
- Your imaging shows a clear problem that correlates with your symptoms.
- Your pain or neurologic issues are starting to limit work, sleep, or daily life.
- You’re healthy enough for surgery and understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
During your visit, Dr. Moore will review your imaging, perform a focused exam, and discuss whether a minimally invasive approach makes sense for your specific situation — or if another option would be better.
Less Pain. More Living.
If you’re wondering whether minimally invasive spine surgery could help you move past chronic neck or back pain, a consultation with Dr. Moore can give you a clearer picture of your options.
- Review of your MRI/X-rays and prior records when available.
- Discussion of both non-surgical and surgical choices.
- A plan focused on your goals, not just your scans.