Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Specialist

Houtan A. Taba, MD Our Services Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Houtan A. Taba, MD - - Orthopedic Surgeon

Houtan A. Taba, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Spine Surgeon located in Houston, TX & Pearland, TX

When conservative methods fail to help relieve your back pain, surgery may be recommended. With advances in surgical tools and techniques, many procedures are performed using a minimally invasive approach. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Houtan Taba, MD, with offices in the Texas Medical Center area of Houston and Pearland, Texas, specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and can discuss your surgical options. He is the only surgeon in the area to offer minimally invasive spine surgery. Call the office or book your consultation through the online tool.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Q&A

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery refers to surgical techniques that involve the use of advanced surgical tools and techniques that allow surgeons like Dr. Taba to perform procedures using small incisions. 

Compared with traditional open spine surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery tends to be faster and safer. Other benefits include:

  • Less blood loss
  • Better cosmetic outcomes
  • Minimal damage to other tissue
  • Faster recovery
  • Reduced post-surgical pain

In many cases, minimally invasive spine surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. 

Am I a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery?

Dr. Taba determines if you’re a good candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery during a consultation. He uses the advanced surgical techniques to treat many common spine conditions, including:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Vertebral compression fractures

Though Dr. Taba is an expert surgeon, he always takes a nonoperative approach first. He may not recommend surgery until you’ve exhausted all nonsurgical options and haven’t been able to get relief from your pain or improvement in quality of life. 

What are common types of minimally invasive spine surgery?

There are many minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. Dr. Taba reviews the specifics of your procedure during your consultation. Some of the most common types include:

Discectomy

Herniated discs are a common source of neck and back pain. During a minimally invasive discectomy, Dr. Taba trims away the herniation or removes the disc altogether. 

If your disc is removed, Dr. Taba offers cervical disc replacement or spinal fusion to restore stability and alleviate your symptoms.

Lateral lumbar fusion

For treatment of lower back conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or lumbar spinal stenosis, Dr. Taba may recommend a lateral lumbar fusion, which is a surgical procedure unique to him. 

During the procedure, he places screws and rods around the affected vertebrae. He then removes the damaged disc and fills the space with bone to stabilize the spine. 

Spinal decompression

Dr. Taba may also suggest spinal decompression for treatment of spinal stenosis. During this minimally invasive procedure, he may perform a foraminotomy to open the space around your spinal canal or a laminectomy to remove the lamina.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Taba to discuss minimally invasive spine surgery, call the office or book online today.

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