MICRODISECTOMY

In a microdiscectomy a surgeon makes a small incision to remove a portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material to provide more room for the nerve to heal and relieve symptoms of neural impingement. The surgeon uses a specialized microscope or magnifying instrument to view the disc and nerves, making it possible for the surgeon to remove herniated disc material through smaller incisions than possible with a regular discectomy, therefore it causes much less tissue damage. Microdiscectomies can decrease the pain caused by a herniated disk and allow for more normal movement and function with a faster recovery time than ever possible before.

In order to ensure your symptoms are being caused by a herniated disk, your doctor will examine you then order an imaging study, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT scan). If the tests show that your symptoms are due to a herniated disc, your doctor must decide whether or not surgery may help relieve the symptoms, and recommend a course of action.