Posterior Microdiscectomy

Posterior Microdiscectomy, also called microdecompression, is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pressure from the spinal nerves. Patients who undergo this surgery have normally been suffering from chronic neck and back pain and have not gotten relief using medication or therapy. Damage to discs can occur from age, injury or disease. When a disc herniates and puts pressure on the nerves, pain can be felt in the neck and travel down the arms and other parts of the body.

Learn what to expect from surgery

While open discectomies require a large incision, microdiscectomies reduces trauma to the region and has a much shorter recovery period. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the neck. Using specialized instruments and imaging technology, the surgeon accesses the damaged disc and removes the portion pressing on the nerves of the spine.

Patients normally are released to go home after a few hours of recovery. Activities, such as lifting, should be limited during the first week. Most patients are much better and pain free after two weeks.