Microdecompression or Posterior Cervical and Lumbar Microdiscectomy

ONE® Brain & Spine Center® specializes in Microdecompression or Posterior Cervical and Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Southern California

Posterior cervical and lumbar microdiscectomy, also known as microdecompression, is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive spine procedures. Beneficial for those with damaged discs at either the cervical or lumbar level, microdiscectomy effectively removes the pressure off the spinal nerves, relieving chronic neck and back pain without the recovery and rehabilitation time required with traditional, open discectomy spine surgery.
In between each vertebrae of the spine rests an intravertebral disc, which acts as a cushion and shock absorber. Age, trauma, or injury can cause this disc to bulge outward, which then will put pressure on the nerves of the spine. These nerves travel to other parts of the body, and can thereby cause referred pain in the arms, hands, legs, and other areas.
Traditional, open discectomy involves a large incision and much more invasive procedure accompanied by potential muscle damage and slow recovery, while microdiscectomy is performed through a small incision with specialized surgical instruments and imaging tools. Microdisectomy minimizes trauma to muscles and surrounding tissues, and recovery and rehabilitation time is considerably shorter.
Prior to surgery, the surgeon will discuss all risks and benefits of the procedure and whether it is the most appropriate and beneficial for the patient.
Microdiscectomy is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient will lie face down during the procedure. For a cervical microdiscectomy, the surgeon will access the damaged disc through the back of the neck. For a lumbar microdiscectomy, and the surgeon will access the damaged disc through the patient’s lower back.
No matter what level the microdiscectomy is performed at, the surgeon will make a small incision and, using specialized surgical instruments and imaging tools, remove the damaged portions of the disc to relieve the pressure on the nerves of the spine.
The surgeon will be sure to examine the surrounding area to ensure that there are no additional disc fragments that are placing pressure on the spinal nerves. In general, a microdiscectomy only removes a small portion of the damaged disc. It is rare that the entire disc is removed during a microdiscectomy.
Schedule an appointment with a ONE® Brain and Spine Center® surgeon, today! Located in Irvine, our Center is available for appointments Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Key Terms:
Cervical: the upper portion of the spine, the neck
Lumbar: the lower portion of the spine, the low back
Disc: located between the vertebrae of the spine, has a tough outer layer and softer inner layer
Discectomy: removal of some or all of intravertebral disc
Posterior: the back, or behind
ONE® Brain & Spine Center® in Southern California is the leader in innovative and comprehensive treatment and care for neurological, brain, back, neck, and spine disorders. Call (949) 383-4190 or Contact Us for appointment.