Spine Center
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is one of the latest surgical techniques used
to treat herniated discs, most often lumbar discs. The procedure
has proven to be 90 to 95 percent successful in relieving pain
for individuals suffering from herniated discs. Many patients who
undergo the procedure report at least some degree of relief from
back and/or leg pain immediately after having the procedure.
A microdiscectomy is performed through a very small incision-usually
only one to one-and-a-half inches-in the lower back. In the procedure,
a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material
from under the nerve root is removed to relieve neural impingement
and create more room for the nerve to heal. Because the procedure
leaves nearly all of the joints, ligaments, and muscles intact,
it does not change the mechanical structure of the patient’s spine.
This procedure is usually performed either on an outpatient basis
or with an overnight stay in the hospital. Patients can undergo
a microdiscectomy under spinal or general anesthesia. Afterwards,
most patients return to their regular daily activities relatively
quickly.
For more information on this procedure, or to
schedule a spine assessment, call the Holy Cross Center for Spine
Care at 301-754-7929.