A smaller incision starts
with the right diagnosis.
Explore whether a minimally invasive approach fits your spine condition, anatomy and treatment goals.
Request a Spine Evaluation (Form)Telehealth or in person. Your request does not confirm an appointment.
A careful review before a surgical decision.
Small incisions are one part of a surgical plan. Review your imaging, prior care and alternatives to understand the benefits, limits and recovery expectations for your case.
Bring your imaging
Bring available spine imaging, treatment records and prior operative reports.
Discuss the alternatives
Review previous care, nonsurgical options, expected benefits, limitations and risks.
Choose the appropriate next step
Surgery is discussed when symptoms, examination and imaging support it. No outcome is guaranteed.
Experience & careful judgment
Meet Dr. Cornacchia.
Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS
A board-certified neurosurgeon with 30 years of spinal cord stimulation experience.
More about Dr. Cornacchia’s experience and SCS device decisions
Spinal cord stimulation experience
Experienced neurosurgical judgment before device decisions.
A spinal cord stimulator is a medical device decision, but it is also a diagnosis decision. Apteum’s evaluation is designed to clarify whether SCS is reasonable, whether another spine problem needs attention, and what goals should define success for you.
He works with a community of experienced pain-management doctors and with Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and other manufacturers.
Manufacturer relationships do not imply endorsement of a specific device for every patient. Brand and system selection should be based on clinical need, anatomy, MRI considerations, programming goals, prior device history, and shared decision-making.
Additional systems as clinically appropriateYour evaluation focuses on your diagnosis, prior care and goals. Discuss the expected benefits, limitations, risks and alternatives before choosing your next step. An evaluation is not a commitment to surgery or an implant.
Read Dr. Cornacchia’s training and experience →How spinal cord stimulation works
Watch this explanation created by Dr. Cornacchia. Spinal cord stimulation is one option for selected patients after evaluation; it is not appropriate for every cause of pain and does not replace the discussion of the treatment on this page.
Minimally Invasive
Minimally Invasive
Smaller incisions for appropriately selected spine procedures.
Overview
Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialized techniques and instruments to treat spinal conditions through small incisions. This approach aims to reduce muscle and tissue disruption. Blood loss, hospital stay and recovery vary by procedure and patient.
What We Offer
Key Benefits
All Services
Need Help?
Contact us to discuss your condition and explore the best treatment options.
What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) treats spinal conditions through small incisions, using specialized instruments and imaging to reach the spine with less disruption to surrounding muscle and tissue. At Apteum Spine, Dr. Louis G. Cornacchia III uses these techniques — including robotic-assisted navigation — whenever they can deliver the same or better result as open surgery with an easier recovery.
Potential Benefits
• Smaller incisions and less muscle damage
• Reduced blood loss and lower infection risk
• Less postoperative pain
• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay when appropriate
Conditions Often Treated
Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and select cases requiring fusion or decompression.
Is It Right for You?
Not every condition is suited to a minimally invasive approach. Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, anatomy, and prior treatment — determined after a thorough evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is minimally invasive surgery as effective as open surgery?
For the right candidate, it can achieve comparable results with less tissue disruption. The best approach depends on your condition.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is often quicker than open surgery, but varies by procedure and patient. We’ll set clear expectations for your case.
Medically reviewed by Louis G. Cornacchia III, M.D., FAANS, FACS — board-certified neurosurgeon. Last updated: June 2026. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. For urgent symptoms, call (609) 831-0998 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Find the approach that fits your condition.
Request an evaluation to review your symptoms, imaging, goals and prior treatment history.
The team will contact you to discuss your request. No outcome is guaranteed.