Minimal exposure tubular retractor (METRx) system enables minimally invasive treatment of various spinal conditions such as herniated discs, lumbar and cervical stenosis, synovial cysts, lumbar instability, trauma, and even some intraspinal tumors. Dr. Andrew K. Simpson provides personalized nonsurgical and surgical treatment for a wide range of spine conditions in Dallas, employing fluoroscopic imaging guidance and special surgical instruments. He also provides specialized postoperative care instructions and aftercare for patients, including physical therapy protocols to promote healing and a complete recovery. Contact Dr. Simpson for a minimal exposure tubular retractor system Dallas appointment today.
Minimally invasive surgery is a technique of performing surgeries through tiny incisions and is an alternative to open surgery. Moreover, minimally invasive surgery offers certain advantages over open surgery, including minimal muscle trauma and reduced muscle tissue disruption.
Minimally invasive surgeries are done by using various techniques, and the Minimal Exposure Tubular Retractor (METRx) system is a more evolved technology than a microendoscopic discectomy system. Using the METRx system involves using a tubular retractor, which provides the METRx doctor with the operative corridor, allowing nerve root retraction preparation and relieving pressure on compressed nerves. The anatomical details can be visualized using either microscopic or endoscopic techniques with a microscope or an endoscope. Since the muscles and soft tissues of the spine are not cut to approach the spinal bone, it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that minimizes pulling surrounding muscles and muscle fibers joined, thereby preserving muscle fibers. It is proven to be clinically effective, and complication rates are comparable to traditional procedures, making it a relatively safe procedure. Moreover, it is cost-effective, with high patient satisfaction. Surgeons are using the METRx system to treat various spinal conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar and cervical stenosis, synovial cysts, lumbar instability, trauma, and even some intraspinal tumors.
Minimal Exposure Tubular Retractor System Dallas Procedure
For the surgery, first, a thin needle called a spinal needle is inserted into the muscles next to the spine requiring treatment and is directed towards the thin bony plate of the spinal bone, the position of which is confirmed by lateral fluoroscopy. The spinal needle is then removed, and a small incision, the length of which is the same as the diameter of the tubular retractor required to be placed for surgery, is made at the puncture site.
A guidewire is then passed through the incision, and positioning of the wire is confirmed by lateral fluoroscopy, allowing the METRx specialist to undergo tests for a thorough examination. The cannulated soft tissue dilator is then placed over the guidewire and is directed towards the spinal bone by a twisting motion, carefully avoiding bone spurs and the affected disc. A series of dilators are placed one on the other, gradually separated and slowly increasing their diameter to retract the soft tissue to the desired diameter as required to insert the selected retractor, creating a tunnel leading to the diseased disc. The markings on the dilator suggest the length of the tubular retractor required. This varies depending on the patient’s anatomy and medical history and is equivalent to the depth required to reach the desired anatomical spinal site for the surgical procedure, often targeting only the damaged portion rather than the entire disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve root.
The procedure involves the selected retractor being placed over the sequential dilators and passed through the incision site. Once it is fixed steadily on the spinal bone on the operating table, a flexible arm is attached to it. All the sequential dilators are then taken out, establishing an operative corridor through which the spinal surgery can be done while the METRx surgeon closely observes vital signs to minimize risks such as blood clots or delays in healing.
Advantages of this Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure
The procedure is minimally invasive and thus offers the advantages of:
- Less pain due to minimal muscle trauma and reduced muscle tissue disruption,
- Faster recovery with patients being slowly advanced post-surgery,
- Shorter hospital stay, which strongly encourages early mobilization, and
- Aesthetically better outcomes with smaller incisions that inhibit bone growth delays and reduce the risk of surgery-related infection.
