Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A surgical alternative offering smaller incisions, reduced hospital stay and shorter recovery time.

When and why is minimally invasive spine surgery used?

Minimally invasive spine surgery offers a surgical approach that is minimally disruptive to the spine, allowing surgeons to access the spine in a similar approach to open and traditional spine surgery using tubular access and/or an endoscope. At Cleveland Clinic, minimally invasive spine surgery approaches are used for:

  • Spinal fusion, which is often performed on degenerative disks
  • Deformity corrections, such for conditions like scoliosis
  • Repair of herniated discs
  • Decompression of spinal tumors
  • Repair and stabilization of vertebral compression fractures
  • Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs (cervical spondylosis)
Advantages of minimally invasive surgery over open surgery include:
  • Minimally disrupting the normal tissues (muscles, ligaments, etc.)
  • A few tiny scars instead of one large scar
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Reduced postoperative pain
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Less blood loss during surgery

How can I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a Center for Spine Health specialist, please call 216.636.5860 or complete the form below to receive an appointment scheduling call from the Center for Spine Health.  

Where can I be seen?




Specialists in Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health treat patients at more than 15 convenient locations in Northeast Ohio.

This video was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. We now follow protocols (including social distancing and masking) to protect our patients and caregivers.

Who will see me?

Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Spine Health help thousands of patients with conditions of the back and neck, ranging from the most common to the most complex. Our multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, physicians and advanced practice providers are committed to putting patients first through clinical excellence, collaboration and compassionate care – personalized to each patient’s needs. Learn more about our Center for Spine Health team. 

I’m interested in more information.

Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for common back and neck conditions by downloading our Back Pain Treatment Guide.

Hear more about common conditions of the back and neck from Cleveland Clinic experts via our Health Essentials podcast:

Download Our Back Pain Treatment Guide
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