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Dr Daniel Park, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Royal Oak, Southfield, West Bloomfield, Oakland County, MI   |   Patient Info   |  Procedures   |   Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar Discectomy

Disease Overview

The lower back or lumbar region is often the site of pain due to its high mobility and weight-bearing. Spongy disks present between the vertebral bones of the spine help cushion the spine during stress and movement. These intervertebral disks in the lumbar region may undergo damage due to stress, causing them to herniate or rupture, and compress adjacent spinal nerves. This can lead to lower back pain, as well as pain, weakness, and numbness in the lower legs. 

What is Lumbar Discectomy?

A lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure performed to treat a herniated or ruptured disk and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Lumbar Discectomy Procedure

To perform lumbar discectomy, your doctor makes a small incision in your lower back over the affected spinal disk. Some vertebral bone and ligament may need to be removed to expose the disk. A microscope is used to visualize the disk and the adjacent spinal nerves. The spinal nerves are protected, and the affected disk is completely removed. The surgical site is then irrigated with antibiotic solution and closed.

Postoperative Care following Lumbar Discectomy

Following surgery, activities such as bending, lifting and sitting for prolonged periods should be avoided for four weeks. Your doctor will advise you about the exercises that will improve the strength and flexibility of the lower back. You may be able to return to work in 2-6 weeks depending on the level of activity involved.

Risks and Complications of Lumbar Discectomy

Lumbar discectomy, as with any invasive surgery may be associated with certain complications such as include nerve and spinal cord injury, infection and ongoing pain.
 

Clinical Example

31 year old man presents with excruciating right leg pain. MRI shows a right L5-S1 disc herniation on the right (see arrow). The left image is a sagittal view where you are seeing the spine from the side. The right image is looking at a cross section of your spine. On this view the right side is the left of the image and vice versa.

  • Case Study
  • Case Study

After minimally invasive surgery, the disc herniation is removed. The remaining “normal” disc is left alone.

  • Case Study
  • Case Study

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