Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery & Motion Preservation in Memphis & Mid-South
Advanced muscle-sparing techniques, rapid outpatient recovery, and cutting-edge motion-preserving alternatives to spinal fusion
A Better Path to Relief: Muscle-Sparing Spine Care
Chronic back pain, neck stiffness, and shooting nerve pain should not automatically lead to massive incisions, long hospital stays, or permanent loss of mobility. At the OrthoSouth Spine Institute, our fellowship-trained neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgeons focus on conservative-first treatments.
When surgery is necessary, we prioritize Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS). By utilizing tubular retractors, high-definition microscopy, and intraoperative navigation, we separate muscles along natural tissue planes rather than stripping them from the spine. The result: less surgical trauma, lower infection risk, minimal post-operative discomfort, and an accelerated return to your life.
Advanced Surgical Solutions: Targeted Relief & Motion Preservation
Precision Microdiscectomy
Immediate Relief for Sciatica
When a herniated or bulging disc compresses a spinal nerve root, it triggers severe radiating pain down the leg (sciatica) or arm. Through a keyhole incision, your surgeon gently parts back muscles and removes only the damaged disc fragment pressing on the nerve under surgical magnification. Healthy disc height is preserved, mechanical nerve irritation is instantly relieved, and patients walk out the same day.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Protecting Natural Neck Movement
For patients suffering from cervical disc herniations or pinched nerves in the neck, artificial disc replacement (ADR) provides a proven alternative to traditional Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). By replacing the damaged disc with a dynamic artificial implant, we relieve nerve compression while preserving full flexion, extension, and rotation in your neck—protecting adjacent spinal levels from premature wear.
The TOPS™ System
Advanced Motion-Preserving Alternative to Lumbar Fusion
Historically, patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae) were faced with spinal fusion. OrthoSouth offers the TOPS™ (Total Posterior Spine) System—a mechanical implant that stabilizes the lower back after decompression without fusing vertebrae together. It preserves natural bending, twisting, and axial rotation, keeping your spine mobile.
Outpatient Spine Care
Recover in the Comfort of Home
1
Home the Same Afternoon
Most decompression and disc replacement procedures are performed at our accredited Germantown and Southaven Surgery Centers, allowing you to sleep in your own bed hours after surgery.
2
Lower Complication & Infection Rates
Dedicated orthopedic and spine ambulatory surgery centers avoid the infectious risks common to large inpatient hospital systems.
3
Multi-Modal Non-Narcotic Pain Protocols
Advanced regional blocks and muscle-sparing approaches significantly reduce the need for opioid medications.
4
Transparent, Lower Facility Fees
Outpatient centers eliminate costly hospital overhead, minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for insured and self-pay patients alike.
Meet Our Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeons
Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Q How is minimally invasive spine surgery different from traditional open surgery?
Traditional open spine surgery cuts and strips large muscle groups away from the spine. Minimally invasive surgery uses narrow tubular retractors that slide between muscle fibers, leading to less pain, minimal blood loss, and a much faster recovery.
Q Can back or neck surgery really be performed as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Because muscle damage is minimized, procedures like microdiscectomies and cervical disc replacements can be safely performed in an ambulatory surgery center, with patients walking within hours and returning home the same day.
Q What is motion preservation spine surgery?
Motion preservation refers to advanced surgical alternatives to spinal fusion—such as artificial disc replacement or the TOPS™ system—that stabilize the spine and relieve nerve pressure while allowing the treated joint to bend and rotate naturally.
Q How soon can I return to normal activity after microdiscectomy?
Most patients experience instant leg pain relief and walk immediately. Many return to light sedentary work within 1 to 2 weeks, advancing to full activities within 4 to 6 weeks under physical therapy guidance.
