Minimally Invasive Spine Center

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The term “minimally invasive” refers to an advanced approach to surgery that focuses on precision and preservation and has many advantages over traditional open procedures. Our board-certified minimally invasive spine surgeon, Dr. Kasra Ahmadinia, is fellowship-trained in spine surgery and has dedicated his practice to this specialized field of study. While performing minimally invasive spine surgery, Dr. Ahmadinia utilizes a variety of advanced, state-of-the-art techniques, allowing him to operate with minimal trauma and disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.

The goal of minimally invasive spine surgery is to stabilize the vertebral bones and joints, thereby relieving any pressure on the spinal nerves caused by such conditions as spinal instability, herniated discs, tumors, scoliosis, and various other traumatic or painful conditions afflicting the spine. Because the spinal nerves, vertebrae, and discs are located deep within the spinal column, access to the damaged or injured area requires moving surrounding muscles and tissue.

While traditional open surgeries involve larger incisions and, consequently, greater damage and disruption to the area, minimally invasive spine surgery utilizes smaller incisions and instruments and emphasizes working around the surrounding muscles and tissues. Advanced techniques used to facilitate access to the damaged or injured area often include small incisions and instruments as well as microscopic video devices through these incisions to guide the procedure, ensuring precision and accuracy. By keeping the surrounding muscles and tissues healthy, undisturbed, and intact, patients enjoy safer procedures, quicker recoveries, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

As a leader and pioneer in state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical treatments and breakthroughs, our expert spine surgeon at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center is continually trained and experienced in performing a number of minimally invasive spine surgeries so our patients can resume their active lifestyles quickly and safely.

Please use the links provided to learn more about the minimally invasive spine surgeries offered at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center.

Patient Consultation

The Minimally Invasive Spine Center at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center provides our back, neck, and spine patients access to consultation Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. This access is in addition to our coverage of back, neck, and spine surgical emergencies at area emergency departments. See below to learn more about the spine treatment options provided at the Minimally Invasive Spine Center at Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center.

Prior to your consultation, new patients will be asked to complete forms, which include medical history, demographic, and insurance information. This information, along with any current diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI), will be utilized by your doctor to help in your diagnosis and treatment plan.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadinia in our Minimally Invasive Spine Center, please call (800) 283-3662 or click on the Appointment Request button.

Patient Testimonials

"I was having severe pain down my hip and leg. Dr. Ahmadinia showed me my x-ray and explained to me what was causing the pain and told me he thought he could help. That was the first time that I had a concerned doctor that made me feel comfortable with surgery. I was in the hospital for three days and up walking the first day. The pain going down my leg was gone and I have continued to get better every day! Thank you Dr. Ahmadinia." - James R.

"My experience with EOOC has been the best anyone could ever ask for. The doctors there are the best in their fields. I have been to this place on three different occasions and each time I was completely satisfied with the treatment I received. I have had both my shoulders worked on as well as my back. I would not hesitate at all to go back if I have any more problems with any part of my body. The staff is just as wonderful as the doctors. They never keep you waiting and always do...

"It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Consequently, to save you having to read over a thousand of my words to praise Dr. Ahmadinia I provided a few pictures from the internet."

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"I have suffered from a herniated disc for 5+ years. I had a total of four epidurals, which would last about a year. Finally, this summer, the epidural quit working. So I decided to look at other options. My primary doctor recommended Dr. Ahmadinia, so I made an appointment to see him. He decided the best thing for me was a microdisectomy. I was very concerned about surgery, and was a nervous wreck on that day!! The procedure was done July 29^th, at Oklahoma Surgical...

"I am 35 years old, and have suffered from lower back pain due to degenerative discs and a bulging disc for the past 5 years. Recently, the bulging disc herniated, and I was experiencing debilitating pain and could barely walk. A friend of mine had great things to say about Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center. I took his advice and set an appointment. Dr. Ahmadinia did a great job of listening to me and diagnosing my issue. He offered me a couple of options to address my problem, and...

"From the age of 19 and on, I've had problems with back pain. I took medication, rested as advised, went to physical therapy, and saw a chiropractor, but it always got better until the next flare up. The last 2 years had been constant daily pain, even taking a shower was excruciating. There wasn't much quality of life I was experiencing at that point. I saw Dr. Ahmadinia in March 2014. He was the first doctor to ever see I had fractured vertebrae, which...

"Dr. Ahmadinia is extremely personable. I was in an emergency situation and he explained in layman's terms, the surgery that I required. He took extra time to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend Dr. Ahmadinia." -- Susan H.

"My experience with the doctor and staff was very positive! I am still in treatment for the problem but I am confident we can arrive at a solution to my back and sciatica problems." -- Irving F.

"Dr. Browne did both of my knee surgeries. I was able to resume walking and taking walks daily. I have nothing bad to say about my experience. I went both times to the Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Clinic and was taken care of each time very well. Now I have back problems and Dr. Ahmadinia is going to do the surgery on it Dec 9th. I will be going back to the Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Clinic once again to have this done. I am hoping for the same results...

"My experience was very good with the staff and doctor. I have had great care for my back problem from the first appointment through the surgery and follow up visits. My doctor explained everything I needed to know concerning the surgery and follow up after I was discharged from the hospital in a way that I had no problem understanding. Great team. Thanks." - Claude H.

"I had my back surgery in October and was back to work in 3 months. My surgery alleviated all the pain in my lower back and both legs. Dr Ahmadinia always assured me and talked to me in layman's term and made me feel very confident in all of his decisions to do with my surgery. I feel better every day and would recommend him to anyone needing back surgery. This was my second back surgery in 23 years and could tell immediately how much better I felt." - James R....

"I am a 58 year old guy with a very active lifestyle, both athletically and working outdoors on our urban farm (even though I'm an office guy during the week). My back pain began back in late December, and at first, I thought I had just 'tweaked' it a bit doing a little paint job that involved stooping and bending. I initially treated the pain with ice/heat and stretching to help get rid of it,...

"Excellent treatment by all, will recommend to others!" – Homer & Judith K.

"I came to the office with neck and shoulder pain that was unbearable. I already knew I had degenerative joint disease in my lower back. turns out I needed surgery on my neck c5-6, c6-7..Dr Ahmadinia did my surgery and I am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend EOOC to anyone that asks me..I think they are top notch..I was somewhat apprehensive at first, but all my questions were answered and felt confident going into the surgery..it is the best thing I could have...

"Although I am only two weeks into physical therapy following my lumbar spinal fusion, I would like to provide a ray of hope to those considering surgery. Five months ago, I was in a considerable amount of pain and my normal life activities were severely limited due to the situation. The thought of surgery made me extremely nervous, but I really didn't think I had an option if I wanted to resume anything close to a normal life. Dr. Ahmadinia listened to my issues, did not...

"I had suffered with a protruding disc between the L4 & L5 discs in my lower spine since 2002 when I fell off of a ladder. I had avoided back surgery at all costs because of negative feedback I had from friends and family that had endured back surgeries with not so great results. As time went by, with reduced or limited activity, due to constant back pain, the symptoms of my Spinal Stenosis got worse and worse. I was having severe pain radiating down the backs...

"I could not be happier about the result of my recent surgery done by Dr. Ahmadinia. My legs no longer have pain and I feel like a new man. I feel I received the very best treatment possible. I was surprised that the main incision was on my left side and the ones in the back were very small. I had surgery on Monday and came home on Tuesday. Dr Ahmadinia listened to my concerns and explained the procedure very well. Thanks again Dr. Ahmadinia. I would recommend him...

"Very pleased with the doctors care as well as his staff. Will recommend Dr. A, wonderful bedside manner, is very caring and we are very pleased with the care received." – Judith K.

"Had third level fused in my spine. Third back surgery I have had and by far the best surgical experience I have ever had.... Cannot say enough good things about Dr. Ahmadinia and the professionalism of the entire staff at EOOC. No doubt another surgery will be in my future further down the road and there's no question where it will be done! I have and will continue to recommend them to any and everyone I know." – Christopher D.

"On June 29, 2015, Dr. Ahmadinia performed back surgery on me. I had complete confidence in Dr. Ahmadinia after my first time consulting with him. My back surgery was a complete success. Being pain-free is wonderful. I tried to do everything he told me to do in my recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Ahmadinia to all my family and friends." – Shrley T.

"I had the MIS TLIF surgery done on the L4-5 and I am so glad I did! I feel like Dr. Ahmadinia has given me my life back. I now, after approximately 4 years, no longer take pain medication on a daily basis. I'm now 6 weeks post-op and can honestly say, I would do it again if I had it to do all over again." – Guy T.

"After three unsuccessful back surgeries, and no other doctor seemed to have an interest in my case I was referred to Dr. Kasra Ahmadinia. With his expertise, I am no longer bent over looking at the floor. I am able to stand up straight. The quality of my life has been improved tremendously thanks to Dr. Ahmadinia." – Stephen R.

"I have now have corrective surgery on two different times on two different spinal discs by Dr. Ahamadina. Both surgeries were handled in the most professional manner and with the knowledge and skill of a great doctor like Dr. Ahamadina the outcome turned out even better than expected. I cannot be happier with my results and the way the EOOC group handles themselves in regards to patient care and yet they still...

"I was extremely nervous about any procedure that would need to be done to relieve my lower back and leg pain. Dr. Ahmadinia explained what would be done and it was not nearly as scary as what I had envisioned. The procedure was outpatient and my lower back pain was gone within a couple of days. So glad I did it! Thank you!!" – Nikki C.

"When I first saw Dr. Ahmadinia and surgery was recommended, I was pretty negative. My dad broke his back when he was young and suffered throughout his life. Back surgery scared me. Besides, I am getting ready to attend the Transplant Games of America in Cleveland, Ohio, so I thought there was no way I could recover in time to go. I asked what would happen if I said no and was told it would likely get worse. I thought about it and agreed. Surgery was...

"Everything about my disc replacement surgery went as planned. Dr. Ahmadinia was thoughtful as well as professional. My recovery has gone well and, after just a few weeks, I am feeling great about my decision to use Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center for my surgery needs." – Gary M.

"I lived in back pain that was gradually getting more severe for 20 years. During a visit to EOOC for another issue I asked my doctor who he would recommend for a back issue, he said Dr. Ahmadinia. When I checked out that day I made an appointment to see Dr. A. It was very easy to get in quickly. After my first appointment with Dr. A, I was so impressed with his bedside manner and how quickly he evaluated my problem. Less that 3 months later I had surgery on my L5/S1 with bone...

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Lecture

NEW EOOC Dr Ahmadinia Lecture

Introduction: Kasra Ahmadinia, M.D.

Introduction: Kasra Ahmadinia, MD

Overview of Spinal Discectomy

Overview of Spinal Fusion

FAQ

When should I consider surgery?

Surgery should always be the last resort when it comes to treating spinal conditions in the neck and back. However, if various non-operative treatments have been attempted without improvement or worsening over a 6-12 month period, then surgical treatment seems reasonable for certain specific conditions such as spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis. The decision for surgery should be individualized to the patient and the patient’s symptoms, along with their level of function

Will I need physical therapy after I get minially invasive spine surgery?

Physical therapy is an important component of a rapid recovery. This is individualized to the patient, but in most cases, physical therapy started 2-6 weeks after surgery, depending on the surgery performed and the patient’s overall condition.

What are the disadvantages of MISS compared to traditional, open surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery holds significant promise, in terms of less pain and more rapid recovery. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is relatively new technology, and all new techniques are associated with some degree of uncertainty.

Furthermore, certain minimally invasive techniques are highly technical and require significant training, and in cases where there is a lack of training, complications may occur. Such complications can include inadequate decompression, nerve injury, infection or persistent pain.

However, these are all risks that are associated with open surgery as well. Occasionally, due to the complexity and technical challenges of minimally invasive surgery, the surgeries may take a longer period of time to complete.

Is minimally invasive spine surgery experimental?

No. MISS has been used sucessfully for many years. However, the scope, complexity and procedures available continue to evolve at a rapid rate.

Why aren’t more hospitals and surgeons performing MIS surgeries?

Minimally invasive surgery is highly technical. This requires significant training of the surgeon as well as the OR staff. Furthermore, the equipment needed to perform these procedures safely and effectively can be very expensive.

While at the airport, will I set off the alarms due to the hardware implanted in my body? Will I need a note from my surgeon?

The implants in spinal procedures (titanium and PEEK) do not set off the alarms in an airport. You do NOT need a clearance note from your spine surgeon.

How long does it take to be added to the surgical schedule?

Once surgery is offered by Dr. Ahmadinia and authorized, patients can be booked for surgery within 1-2 weeks, providing they can be medically cleared for surgery.

Please use the appointment request box or call (800) 283-3662.