Minimally invasive spine surgery: a historical perspective.

Minimally invasive spine surgery has gained considerable momentum and increased acceptance among spine surgeons throughout the years. An understanding and awareness of the development of minimally invasive spine surgery and its role in the operative treatment of various spine conditions is imperative. This article provides a succinct historical perspective of the development of spine surgery from the more traditional, open procedures to the use of more "minimal access" or minimally invasive spine surgery procedures.