A Microdiscectomy is a Minimally Invasive Spinal procedure designed to relieve pain as a result of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. When a disc becomes herniated, the gel-like nucleus material is extruded from the surrounding wall of the spinal disc (annulus). This material enters the spinal canal and presses against the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This often causes pain throughout lower back and into the extremities (known as Sciatica). A Minimally Invasive Microdiscectomy removes the herniated portions of the disc(s) and any bone spurs to alleviate the pain and pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.
How is it performed?
First, the surgeon will make a small incision in the area of the affected intervertebral disc. Through this very small incision, surgical instruments are placed between muscle fibers and into the spinal canal. The surgeon will then used specialized instruments to remove the herniated portions of the disc as well as any bone spurs that may have formed. The removal of herniated disc fragments and/or bone spurs allows for relief of pressure on the nerves, which results in relief from lower back pain and/or Sciatica.
