Minimally
Invasive Spine .
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses smaller incisions and specialized techniques to treat spine conditions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. This approach often results in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
Motion-preserving when possible.
Dr. Yasmeh selects the least-invasive option that addresses your specific anatomy and goals.
- What it is: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses smaller incisions and specialized techniques to treat spine conditions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. This approach often results in less pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
- Key benefits: Smaller incisions (often less than 2 cm); Less damage to muscles and surrounding tissue; Reduced blood loss.
- Typical candidates: Disc herniation that has not responded to conservative care; Spinal stenosis with leg or arm symptoms.
- Recovery: Most patients walk the same day, return home within hours, and ramp back to light activity within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery depends on the procedure, but is consistently faster than traditional open surgery.
Benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery
- Smaller incisions (often less than 2 cm)
- Less damage to muscles and surrounding tissue
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays — often outpatient
- Faster return to work and daily activities
- Lower infection risk
Typical candidates
Dr. Yasmeh considers minimally invasive spine surgery for patients with:
- Disc herniation that has not responded to conservative care
- Spinal stenosis with leg or arm symptoms
- Selected scoliosis and deformity cases
- Spinal instability or spondylolisthesis
- Recurrent disc herniation
Every surgical decision starts with imaging review, a careful physical exam, and a candid conversation about goals — surgical and non-surgical options are always discussed together.
What recovery looks like
Most patients walk the same day, return home within hours, and ramp back to light activity within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery depends on the procedure, but is consistently faster than traditional open surgery.
About minimally invasive spine surgery.
- Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, imaging, prior treatments, overall health, and goals. Dr. Yasmeh evaluates each patient individually and only recommends a procedure when it's a clear fit.
- Most patients walk the same day, return home within hours, and ramp back to light activity within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery depends on the procedure, but is consistently faster than traditional open surgery. Dr. Yasmeh and his team coordinate your post-operative therapy, follow-up imaging, and return-to-activity plan.
- Dr. Yasmeh consults at all four offices (East LA, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Tarzana) and performs surgery at affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. The surgical location is chosen based on procedure, your insurance, and convenience.
- Absolutely. Dr. Yasmeh welcomes second opinions and routinely reviews outside imaging and records before any surgical decision.
When Dr. Yasmeh recommends this procedure
Lumbar Disc Herniation
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreLumbar Stenosis
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreCervical Stenosis
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreLumbar Radiculopathy
Read about this condition and when this procedure is the right answer.
Read moreFind out if minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you.
Same-week consultations. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.