Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a procedure in which a disc fragment or protrusion is removed, freeing a compressed nerve root through a very small incision. The size of the incision necessary for the procedure to be called "micro" is controversial. Usually an incision of an inch or less qualifies. Exposure or visualization of the disc fragment and nerve root can be enhanced through the use of magnification, fiber optic lighting, and specialized retractors or tubes. Magnification can be in the form of personal magnifying glasses or loops which are custom fit to the surgeon's vision, interpupillary distance and focal length, or in the form of an operative microscope.

This procedure is usually an out patient procedure and takes give or take about an hour to perform. The advantage of this procedure over the traditional form of discectomy rests entirely with the size of the incision. The bigger the incision, the greater the soft tissue injury associated with the surgery, and the longer, and more painful the recovery.

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                                                    Last modified: 04/04/06