Using Microdiscectomy to Treat a Herniated Disc

woman posing

A herniated disc is a condition where there is a minor protrusion of the inner spinal disc portion through the outermost layer. If not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to pain and other nerve-related damage.

Herniated discs can be caused by a number of different factors. Based on the severity of the condition, the associated pain and other implications might also differ. The question is, how is a herniated disc corrected? One of the most commonly suggested methods is a microdiscectomy.

What Is Microdiscectomy?

Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive form of discectomy. This is done so as to help people with herniated discs, to correct the protrusion of the spinal tissues so as to alleviate the pain and prevent further injuries. This is a well-established surgery that has been popularly recommended for several years. So if you find an experienced surgeon you can be assured of remarkable results from the surgery and quick recovery as well.

What to Expect From a Microdiscectomy Procedure

The surgery is comparatively less intense than a full-fledged discectomy. To begin the procedure, patients are made to lie flat on their abdomen and the surgeon performing the surgery will make a small incision. The incision made using this technique is much smaller than the one made using the traditional technique.

The position of the incision is towards the center of the lower back region where the herniated disc is observed. The outer muscles on the top of the spine are repositioned to allow access to the problem area. The repositioning is done meticulously as there are vertically running muscles in this portion.

With a surgical loupe, your surgeon will carefully observe the root of the nerve which is then moved. If required, a portion of the bone protecting the nerve root might also be extracted. After this, your surgeon will be able to remove the excess material that is extending from the disc. The nerve roots and the muscles are then put back in place. The incision is finally closed to mark the end of the procedure.

Recovery After a Microdiscectomy

A microdiscectomy is known to have a very high success rate. Patients undergoing the procedure can be discharged in a day or two depending on the level of correction required by a patient. The recovery time necessary after the surgery is short. During that time, patients should avoid strenuous activities that involve putting strain on the spine.

At the same time, patients might be sent to a physiotherapist to learn some basic exercises to enhance their strength as well as to maintain the flexibility of the muscles surrounding the spinal cord. Advancements in technology have led to the improvement in the actual procedure so the accuracy of the process has now improved a great deal.

This has also positively impacted the success rate and reduced recovery times. Within a few weeks, patients tend to fully recover from the problem and can return to their usual routines.

Contact Our Office

It’s important that you treat herniated discs as soon as possible. If you suffer from this condition, you should contact a medical professional as soon as possible. To receive the help you need, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin James, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon.