Microdiscectomy
Overview
A minimally invasive microdiscectomy is a procedure to remove herniated disc material that presses on nerves or the spinal cord causing pain and weakness in the patient. Many ruptured discs may be resolved on their own, non-surgically, so that microdiscectomy is not necessary.
About the Microdiscectomy Procedure
During the surgery, a fluoroscope is used to project live x-ray pictures onto a monitor giving the surgeon a clearer view of the area being treated. The spine surgeon typically performs most of the surgery to repair the ruptured disc while watching it on the monitor.
The spine surgeon will wear safety glasses with a microscope attached to each eye to increase their vision of the small area being operated on.
About a one inch incision is made over the injured disc on the patient’s back. Small wires are slowly inserted into the incision site to help split the muscle in the spine and allows for a small opening for the spine surgeon to work within. The wires help spread the muscles instead of cutting it and causing unnecessary damage. A specially fitted retractor is used to hold the muscles to the side and out of the way during the operation. A very tiny amount of bone (lamina) is removed to allow for more space between the two vertebrae, in which no instability results from this. Then the nerve is retracted towards the middle of the spine. This procedure helps remove pressure on the pinched nerve.
In most cases microdiscectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure or 23 hour stay. Most patients are able to return to work in one to two weeks following a microdiscectomy.
Do you NEED spine surgery?
Neurological Surgeons
Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physicians
Spine Conditions
Have back or neck pain? Learn what causes symptoms and the home remedies that relieve pain. Experts estimate that 50% of back surgeries are unnecessary. Fact: Many people can recover from painful disc-related symptoms with nonsurgical treatment options like a spinal injection that reduces inflammation around a nerve root or customized spine therapy.
Spine Treatments
The good news is that 80% of back and neck pain gets better on its own over time. Only a small percentage of patients will ever need spine surgery. Isn’t that a relief? Learn about non-surgical treatment options.
Home Remedy Book
As a community service to those who live on Long Island, SpineCare Long Island mails out a free 36-page Home Remedy Book with customized stretches that can relieve some back and neck pain symptoms. Enter your name and address and we will mail you a copy.
Symptoms Chart
Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician within 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
In the News
Spinecare Long Island is excited to announce the opening of our new, beautiful, comfortable, state-of-the-art facility in Holbrook, New York. The Holbrook location combines the expertise of board-certified spine surgeons and interventional pain management specialists.
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