A minimally invasive procedure used to effectively mitigate herniations in the lumbar (lower back) discs of the spine, lumbar disc microsurgery relieves the symptoms associated with these herniated discs, including pain and numbness in the legs that limit a person’s ability to move and walk normally.
When discs between the vertebrae in the lumbar region of the spine shift out of place, they often compress or otherwise affect adjacent nerves. However, this condition can be treated by the removal of the damaged portion of the disc.
Using a specially designed microscope, a surgeon is able to view and therefore access the specific bone and nerve structures in and around the damaged disc. And because of the precision allowed through the use of the microscope, damage to surrounding tissue and nerves can be minimized or avoided altogether.
Lumbar disc microsurgery begins with the surgeon making a small incision over the damaged vertebra in the lower back. Once access is gained to the disc through the incision and a corresponding removal of a small portion of the vertebra called the lamina is completed, specialized instruments, in conjunction with the microscope, are used to remove the ruptured portion of the disc.
After surgery, patients can resume immediate mobility (useful for preventing the growth of scar tissue) and normal daily activities and utilize pain-relieving medications if needed.