The same spine conditions — treated with smaller incisions, less muscle damage, faster recovery, and less pain than traditional open surgery. Our fellowship-trained spine surgeons perform the full range of minimally invasive spinal procedures.
Traditional open spine surgery requires large incisions and significant retraction of back muscles to access the spine — leading to prolonged recovery and postoperative pain. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) achieves the same surgical goals through incisions typically less than 1 inch, using specialized tubular retractors that gently dilate rather than cut muscle fibers.
Guided by intraoperative imaging including fluoroscopy and navigation systems, our surgeons work with precision instruments through these narrow corridors to decompress nerves, stabilize vertebrae, or perform fusion — all with dramatically less collateral tissue damage.
The result: less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain, lower infection risk, and a significantly faster return to daily life.
We offer the full spectrum of minimally invasive spinal procedures for conditions ranging from herniated discs to complex multi-level pathology.
Removal of herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves through a tiny incision. Gold-standard treatment for lumbar disc herniation and sciatica that hasn't responded to conservative care.
Decompression of the spinal canal and nerve roots for stenosis, using tubular retractors instead of large incisions. Provides the same nerve relief with dramatically less recovery time.
Fusion procedures performed through small portals — including TLIF, PLIF, and lateral approaches (XLIF/DLIF) — for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal instability.
Minimally invasive treatment of vertebral compression fractures using needle-sized portals — no large incisions required. Most patients go home the same day with immediate pain relief.
The most advanced minimally invasive approach — a small camera inserted through a single portal allows disc removal or decompression under direct visualization with no hospital stay required.
A motion-preserving procedure for cervical disc disease performed through a small anterior incision. Avoids the larger neck incisions associated with traditional open surgery.
Return to light activity in days, not months. Most patients drive within a week.
Less muscle trauma means significantly less pain in the days following surgery.
Many MISS procedures are same-day — no overnight hospital stay required.
Smaller incisions mean lower infection risk and less blood loss — safer overall.
Many patients who previously required large open procedures can now be treated minimally invasively. You may be a candidate if you have:
Herniated disc with leg pain or sciatica not responding to conservative care
Spinal stenosis causing leg pain, numbness, or weakness
Degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis requiring stabilization
Vertebral compression fracture from osteoporosis or injury
Cervical disc disease causing neck pain or arm symptoms
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses small incisions and specialized tubular retractors to access the spine with minimal disruption to surrounding muscles. Compared to traditional open surgery, MISS typically results in less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery.
MISS can treat many conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, vertebral fractures, and spinal instability.
Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, the affected spinal level, overall health, and prior treatment history. Many patients who previously required large open procedures are now candidates for minimally invasive approaches. A consultation with our spine specialists will determine the best approach for you.
Recovery after MISS is generally significantly faster. Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours. Return to light activity typically occurs within 1–2 weeks, compared to 4–6 weeks for traditional open surgery.
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, cover minimally invasive spine procedures when medically indicated. Our team handles pre-authorization and works directly with your insurance provider.
One of the most common conditions treated with minimally invasive microdiscectomy at Restore.
MIS laminectomy and laminotomy to relieve nerve compression from stenosis or disc herniation.
When fusion is required, we use minimally invasive approaches (MIS-TLIF, XLIF) whenever possible.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine Center is located at 1120 W La Veta Ave, Suite 300, Orange, CA 92868. We provide minimally invasive spine surgery to patients from Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Yorba Linda, Brea, La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Long Beach, and greater Los Angeles.
Find out if you're a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery. Same-week consultations available.