Minimally invasive procedures are increasingly utilized and are replacing open surgery to reduce scarring and pain, enhance patient recovery, and minimize cost. The only current source on the topic, this guide provides step-by-step guidance, expert instruction, and detailed illustration of the most recent minimally invasive orthopedic spine procedures. With a variety of chapters covering critical developments in the field including the utilization of biologic materials, image-guided surgery, and bone fusion, this guide delves into discussions of indications, methods for preoperative planning, complication avoidance strategies, and patient outcomes.

INTRODUCTION. Anatomical Approaches for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Debate Forum: Evidence-Based Support for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Versus Open Surgery.Patient Selection Issues for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery. Future Direction of MIS: Is Its Fate Controlled by the Physician, Patient, Industry, or Insurance? MINIMALLY INVASIVE DECOMPRESSIVE PROCEDURES. Microscopic Anterior Cervical Discectomy, Foraminotomy and Uncinectomy. Microscopic Posterior Foraminotomy/Laminotomy for Nerve Root Decompression. Endoscopic Foraminotomy/Laminotomy for Herniated Cervical Disk. Thoracoscopic Excision of Thoracic Herniated Disk. Thoracoscopic Corpectomy. Endoscopic Laminotomy, Discectomy for Herniated Lumbar Disk. Unilateral Hemi-Laminectomy for Bilateral Lumbar Decompression. Percutaneous Automated Discectomy. Chemical Dissolution of a Herniated Lumbar Disk. MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES OF INSTRUMENTATION AND FUSION. Odontoid Screw Insertion. C1-C2 Transarticular Screw Insertion. Submuscular Rod Fixation for Spinal Deformities. Anterior Thoracoscopic Release for Spinal Deformities. Intervertebral Stapling for Spinal Deformity. Endoscopic Techniques for Stabilization of the Thoracic Spine. Percutaneous Posterior Insertion of Thoracic Pedicle Screws. Laparascopic Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using the "Mini-Open" Approach. Percutaneous Posterior Pedicle Screw Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine. Minimally Invasive Techniques for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Percutaneous Transarticular Lumbar Facet Screw Insertion. PERCUTANEOUS AND MINIMALLY INVASIVE PAIN RELIEVING PROCEDURES. Morphine and Baclofen Pumps for Chronic Pain. Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Cervical Facet-Mediated Pain. Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Lumbar Facet-Mediated Pain. Intradiscal Thermal Procedures for Discogenic Lumbar Back Pain. VERTEBRAL BODY AUGMENTATION AND NON-FUSION PROCEDURES (MOTION-SPARING). Kyphoplasty. Vertebroplasty. Vertebral B