ABSTRACT
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) represents a growing collection of surgical techniques that allow surgeons to perform spinal procedures through smaller incisions. Although spine surgeons have been developing less invasive surgical techniques for many years, it is only recently that technologic advancements have stimulated intense interest in MISS approaches. Most MISS techniques are dependent in part on the use of specialized surgical equipment such as microscopes, endoscopes, cannulated screw technology, tubular retraction devices, fiber-optic lighting, and image-guidance technology.1
