Herniated discs, often referred to as “slipped discs”, occur when a portion of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, pushing out of place and potentially compressing a spinal nerve. This deviation can lead to symptoms like leg pain, weakness, numbness, or even more severe conditions like cauda equina syndrome. In some cases, there’s also accompanying low back pain.
Traditionally, a discectomy involved making a large incision and potentially removing the entire disc. However, advancements in medical technology have ushered in an era of minimally invasive techniques. These procedures are designed to access and treat the herniated disc with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Microdiscectomy surgery stands out as one such method. Depending on the technique, microdiscectomy can be approached via a midline, tubular, or endoscopic method. These approaches aim to remove only the herniated portion of the disc, preserving the integrity of the remaining disc.
For patients experiencing pain and neuropathies from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or other conditions causing nerve compression, decompression surgery can be a suitable solution. This is especially the case when non-surgical methods such as physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, or pain management treatments don’t provide ample relief.
If you’re wondering about the most suitable procedure for a herniated disc, the choice often hinges on various factors. These include the location and severity of the herniation, the symptoms presented, and the surgeon’s recommendation. Discectomy, specifically the removal of the disc tissue pressing against a nerve or the spinal cord, remains a prevalent choice. Some advanced methods include Micro endoscopic discectomy and Micro endoscopic posterior cervical discectomy.
For those suffering specifically from lumbar or leg pain due to a herniated disc or injury to the sciatic nerve, a microdiscectomy may be recommended. Recognized as one of the most common spine surgeries, it’s also known as lumbar microdiscectomy or lumbar disc microsurgery. For further information on the intricacies of the procedure and potential benefits, consider exploring HSS’s guide on Microdiscectomy Surgery or delve into the detailed OHSU’s herniated disc resource.
In conclusion, while herniated discs can be a source of significant discomfort and pain, modern medical techniques like microdiscectomy offer promising avenues for effective treatment with minimal invasiveness.
