Microdiscectomies

If conservative treatments to alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc are unsuccessful, a surgical procedure known as a “discectomy” may be recommended.

When a disc becomes herniated, a portion of the disc is dislocated and may impinge upon the adjacent nerve roots or the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness to develop. Depending upon the location of the damage disc, symptoms can affect the neck or back and may radiate down the arms or legs.

A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive type of discectomy that uses special microscopic magnification to provide the orthopedic surgeon with an illuminated and magnified view of the affected area of the spine. With this enlarged view, the surgeon can perform the procedure using smaller incisions and instruments. Since a microdiscectomy procedure is minimally invasive, less damage to the surrounding tissues occurs. This facilitates quicker healing and recovery.

A microdiscectomy may be indicated in the presence of:

• Back or extremity pain, weakness, and/or numbness that limits daily activities and has not responded to a course of non-surgical conservative therapy
• Problems with walking and performing essential tasks
• Impaired bowel and/or bladder function

During a microdiscectomy the surgeon will remove the fragment of the spinal disc that is causing pressure on the nerve. The goal in removing the impinging part of the herniated disc is to provide relief from the symptoms that have developed as well as to facilitate a restoration of function. In some situations additional procedures may be performed to further relieve pressure and to provide stability.