In a microdiscectomy or microdecompression spine surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to relieve neural impingement and provide more room for the nerve to heal.
A microdiscectomy is typically performed for a herniated lumbar disc and is extremely effective for treating leg pain. Compression of the nerve root can cause substantial leg pain. It may take weeks or months for the nerve root to fully heal and any numbness or weakness to get better. However, patients normally feel relief from leg pain almost immediately after a microdiscectomy spine surgery.
How Microdiscectomy Surgery Is Performed:
A microdiscectomy is performed through a small (1-1.5 inch) incision in the midline of the low back.
- First, the back muscles are lifted off the bony arch of the spine. Since these back muscles run vertically, they can be moved out of the way rather than cut.
- The surgeon is able to enter the spine by removing a membrane over the nerve roots. Then they use either operating glasses or an operating microscope to visualize the nerve root.
- Often, a small portion of the inside facet joint is removed both to facilitate access to the nerve root and to relieve pressure over the nerve.
- The nerve root is then gently moved to the side and the disc material is removed from under the nerve root.
A microdiscectomy does not change the mechanical structure of the lower spine. This is because almost all of the joints, ligaments, and muscles are left intact.
Typically Recommended for Patients Who Have:
- Experienced leg pain for at least six weeks
- Not found sufficient pain relief with conservative treatment
