Minimally Invasive Versus Open Spine Surgery: A Comparative Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes

Abstract

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has gained widespread adoption as an alternative to traditional open spine surgery (OSS) for the management of degenerative spine disorders. By limiting soft tissue disruption and preserving normal anatomy, MISS aims to reduce perioperative morbidity while achieving comparable clinical outcomes. However, concerns remain regarding operative complexity, learning curves, and long-term effectiveness. This review comparatively analyzes perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive versus open spine surgery, focusing on operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, hospital stay, complications, and early functional recovery. Current evidence suggests that MISS offers significant perioperative advantages in selected patients, although careful patient selection and surgical expertise remain critical for optimal outcomes.