Advances in diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques, instrumentation and equipment have allowed spine surgeons to address certain conditions of the spine through smaller incisions and with less traumatic approaches than those associated with traditional spinal surgical techniques. The potential benefits of these new "minimally invasive" or "minimal access" techniques include:
• smaller surgical incisions
• less soft tissue disruption and damage to spinal muscles
• less blood loss
• reduced risk of infection
• reduced scarring
• a reduction in post-operative pain
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