Percutaneous Screw Fixation in Indore
Percutaneous Screw Fixation Indore
Percutaneous screw fixation is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize fractured or unstable spinal segments. Instead of making large incisions, the screws are placed through small openings in the skin, reducing tissue damage and speeding up recovery. This technique is commonly used for traumatic spinal injuries, certain fractures, and conditions where stabilization is needed without extensive surgical exposure.
If you are looking for a minimally invasive spine surgeon in Indore, Dr. Mitul Jain plans and performs percutaneous fixation for patients whose spine needs support but does not need a large open operation. To book a consultation, call +91-9893501752.
What Does “Percutaneous” Mean?
The word percutaneous means “through the skin.” In an open fixation, the surgeon makes a long cut over the spine and lifts the back muscles off the bone to see where the screws should go. In the percutaneous method, the surgeon relies on live X-ray imaging or a navigation system to see the vertebrae and passes the screws through short cuts, each about the length of a thumbnail.
The muscles are guided aside instead of being stripped from the bone. This is the main reason many patients feel less pain and recover earlier. Patients exploring percutaneous screw fixation in Indore are usually surprised that a spine can be firmly stabilised through such small openings.
Symptoms That May Require Percutaneous Screw Fixation
Patients who need this procedure often experience:
- Severe back pain after trauma
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Signs of spinal instability
In some cases, nerve-related symptoms like numbness or weakness may appear when the spine is not properly supported.
Other clues that the spine may be unstable include:
- Pain that spikes when you try to sit up or turn in bed
- A feeling that the back cannot hold your body weight
- Visible deformity or a step-like change along the spine
- Pain that is eased only by lying completely still
Weakness in the legs, numbness in the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control after an injury is an emergency and needs immediate hospital care.
When Percutaneous Fixation Is Used
This technique is ideal for spinal fractures, instability due to trauma, and situations where early stabilization helps prevent neurological issues. It is also used when minimally invasive correction is preferred to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with open surgery.
Common situations include:
- Thoracolumbar fractures: Burst or compression fractures in the mid and lower back where the spine needs internal support
- Flexion-distraction injuries: Injuries in which the ligaments and bone have been pulled apart, often from road accidents
- Unstable fractures without major nerve injury: Cases where the canal is largely clear and the main need is stability
- Pathological fractures: Weakened bone from a tumor or infection that needs support
- Osteoporotic fractures with instability: Selected elderly patients who need more than cement alone
- Supplement to other procedures: Added stability after decompression or interbody work
When It May Not Be the Right Choice
Percutaneous fixation is not meant for every injury. An open approach may be advised when:
- Bone fragments are pressing heavily on the nerves and need direct removal
- The vertebrae are badly displaced and need open realignment
- Several levels are involved with complex deformity
- Bone quality is too poor to hold screws securely
- A bone fusion or graft placement needs a wider view
Your surgeon should discuss these limits openly before you decide.
Planning Before the Procedure
The procedure begins with precise imaging to map the fracture and plan screw placement. In most cases this includes:
- X-rays to check alignment and overall balance
- CT scan to measure the size and angle of each vertebra and plan screw paths
- MRI to assess the ligaments, discs, spinal cord, and nerves
- Blood tests and anaesthesia evaluation to prepare for surgery
Screw length and diameter are chosen from these scans, which is why thorough planning matters. Even a few millimetres of error can affect stability.
How the Procedure Is Performed
- Positioning: The patient lies face down on a special table that lets the spine settle into a more natural alignment.
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is usually used.
- Imaging guidance: Under fluoroscopic or navigated guidance, small skin incisions are made over the target vertebrae.
- Screw insertion: Specialized instruments allow screws and rods to be placed safely through narrow pathways. Each screw is checked on imaging as it goes in.
- Rod connection: A rod is passed beneath the muscle and locked onto the screws, holding the injured segment firmly.
- Closure: The small cuts are closed and covered with light dressings.
This stabilizes the injured segment without large muscle disruption. Because the soft tissues remain mostly intact, patients often experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to daily activities.
Open Fixation vs Percutaneous Fixation
| Aspect | Open fixation | Percutaneous fixation |
|---|---|---|
| Skin cut | One long incision | Several short incisions |
| Muscle handling | Muscles lifted off the bone | Muscles spread, not stripped |
| Blood loss | Higher | Usually lower |
| Early back pain | More | Usually less |
| Direct view of nerves | Yes | Limited, so used when decompression is not needed |
| Radiation exposure | Lower | Higher, which is managed with care and navigation |
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Most patients are made to sit and stand within a day or two, depending on the injury
- A brace may be advised for comfort and protection for a few weeks
- Wound care is simple, as the cuts are small
- Physiotherapy begins early, with gentle movements and walking practice
- Strengthening exercises are added in stages
- Follow-up X-rays check that the screws and rods remain in position and that the fracture is healing
Healing time differs according to the injury, bone quality, and general health. Returning to heavy work or sport is allowed only after your surgeon confirms stability.
Possible Risks
Every surgery carries some risk. With percutaneous fixation, these may include infection, bleeding, screw malposition, nerve irritation, loosening of the implant, and stiffness at the treated segment. The use of imaging and navigation during the operation is meant to reduce these risks, and your surgeon will explain how they apply to your case.
Questions Patients and Families Ask
Are the screws removed later?
In most patients the implants stay in place. In some younger patients with fractures that have healed well, removal may be discussed after many months.
Will I be able to bend normally?
Only the fixed segment loses motion. Short-segment fixation usually leaves most daily movements unaffected.
Do metal implants cause problems with MRI?
Modern spinal implants are made of titanium or similar alloys and are generally safe for later scans. Inform the radiology team about your implants.
How soon can I return to work?
Desk work may start within a few weeks for many people. Heavy physical work takes longer and depends on healing.
Supporting Your Bone Healing
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco, since it delays bone healing
- Eat protein-rich food along with calcium and vitamin D
- Follow all sitting and lifting instructions carefully
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Walk in short, regular intervals instead of staying in bed
- Take prescribed medicines on time and do not skip review visits
Why Patients Consult Dr. Mitul Jain
Dr. Mitul Jain is experienced in advanced minimally invasive spinal fixation techniques, ensuring accurate screw placement and stable outcomes. His careful planning and skill-focused approach help patients heal safely with reduced discomfort and quicker functional recovery.
Patients can expect:
- A review of their CT and MRI films to judge whether small-incision fixation is suitable
- A direct explanation of why an open approach may be needed in some injuries
- A defined plan for screw levels, brace use, and rehabilitation
- Practical guidance for the family on moving, lifting, and caring for the patient at home
Arrange an Evaluation
If you’ve suffered a spinal injury or have been advised to consider stabilization, get in touch with us. Early evaluation can help determine whether percutaneous fixation is the right option for your condition. Please bring all scans, discharge summaries, and a list of current medicines to the first visit.
Call Dr. Mitul Jain: +91-9893501752