What Is Microdiscectomy? Understanding Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Options

Herniated discs, often referred to as “slipped discs”, are a prevalent condition affecting countless individuals worldwide. They occur when a piece of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, slipping out of its natural position. This misalignment can exert pressure on the spinal nerves, leading to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, weakness, and in severe cases, conditions like cauda equina syndrome.

Traditionally, addressing a herniated disc involved a discectomy that required a sizable incision and the removal of the entire disc. However, with advancements in medical technology, surgeons can now employ minimally invasive techniques. One such procedure is the Microdiscectomy surgery. This operation can be approached using various methods like midline, tubular, or even endoscopic microdiscectomy.

For those unfamiliar, a Microdiscectomy is a form of spinal decompression surgery specifically designed to treat herniated discs. This procedure alleviates the pressure on the spinal nerve caused by the herniation.

In cases where there are multiple herniated discs, patients might need other types of spinal decompression or even spinal fusion surgeries. These procedures aim to address lumbar disc herniations, ensuring that patients can lead pain-free lives.

Another notable procedure is the ACDF Surgery or Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery. This treatment combines spinal decompression with spinal fusion, primarily addressing herniated discs and compressed nerves. This surgical option is suitable for patients suffering from conditions like myelopathy and other related issues. More details on this procedure can be found here.

For those suffering from severe shooting leg pain, numbness, or weakness due to a herniated lumbar disc, a Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy or Percutaneous Disc Removal (PDR) might be the answer. The PDR technique enables the removal of the herniated disc portion compressing the spinal nerves via a small skin incision. Learn more about this minimally invasive approach here.

While many might benefit from non-surgical treatments, disc degeneration due to aging may sometimes necessitate surgical interventions. Institutions like Rush spine surgeons are experts in both minimally invasive and traditional approaches to spine surgery. More on their surgical offerings can be found here.

In conclusion, advancements in spine surgery techniques provide patients with a range of options to address herniated discs. It’s crucial to consult with a spine specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment path for individual needs.