The Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Spinal Trauma: A Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Limitations.

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has significantly revolutionized spine surgery by reducing morbidity, minimizing tissue damage, and improving postoperative outcomes compared with traditional open surgeries. Although MIS is well-documented for degenerative spine diseases, its full scope and limitations in spine trauma remains underexplored. Thus, this review aims to address this gap by examining relevant literature on the evolution, current practices, and future directions of MIS applications in spinal trauma care. We conducted a PubMed search with keywords including "MIS," "percutaneous pedicle screw," "lateral corpectomy," "anterior thoracoscopic surgery," and "transpsoas/direct lateral approach," both individually and in combination with "thoracolumbar trauma," "cervical trauma," and "spine trauma." After screening abstracts and full-text manuscript review, articles meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were reviewed including prospective and retrospective case-control studies, case reports, and reviews. Exclusionary criteria included studies not involving traumatic injuries of the thoracolumbar or cervical spine, lack of clinical follow-up, and studies in foreign languages. Based on a literature review of 85 studies, the following manuscript focuses on the indications, complications, current literature, clinical outcomes, future directions, and limitations of MIS in managing thoracolumbar and cervical spine injuries with particular emphasis on percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, lateral thoracic and lumbar corpectomies, anterior thoracoscopic/endoscopic approaches, and treatment algorithms. Although MIS for spinal trauma offers numerous advantages, continuous research and data collection are crucial to developing clear treatment algorithms and improving clinical outcomes. However, the future of MIS in spine trauma care remains promising, with advancements in technology and surgical techniques anticipated to enhance safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Duke Scholars

Author Kristen Jones Neurosurgery

Author Khoi Duc Than Neurosurgery

Author Brett Rocos Orthopaedic Surgery

Author Michael Martin Haglund Neurosurgery

Author Peter Passias Orthopaedic Surgery

Author Courtney Rory Goodwin Neurosurgery