Lumbar Microdiscectomy

What is lumbar microdiscectomy?

The lumbar region is also called the lumbar spine. The discs are the shock absorbers that absorb shocks between each of the bones or lumbar vertebrae. The disc may be damaged or worn resulting in a hernia. Sometimes people refer to this as a herniated disc or it has been broken. When this happens, it can become a cause of pain and / or the legs back.

In a lumbar microdiscectomy, the surgeon makes a 1 to 2-inch incision and uses a microscope or loupes with micro-surgical techniques to remove the part of the disc that puts pressure on the spinal nerve. This minimally invasive technique forgives bones, muscles, ligaments and soft tissue trauma making it easier and faster recovery.

Who is a candidate for Microdysectomy?

Less than 10% of patients with a herniated disc require surgery. Most of these conditions will be solved with basic health measures. However, in some cases, the symptoms of the back and leg become unmanageable. This occurs when the damaged disc pressure put on pain production in the nerves of the spine that goes to the leg. Pressure on the nerve can cause pain, numbness and / or weakness in the leg. This is sometimes called "sciatica." Sciatica usually feels like a sharp, stabbing pain through the buttock by the leg and can go on the foot. When leg pain is not resolved with basic treatment measures, and the ability to perform daily activities is very restricted, the patient may be a candidate for a microdiscectomy.

What are the alternatives to a microdystectomy?

Mostly conservative therapies relieve symptoms resulting from herniated disc. Treatments such as medications, bed rest, steroid injections and physical therapy are effective and carry most patients with normal daily activities.

How did the return problems evaluated?

Your doctor will use several methods to assess and diagnose back problems like a herniated disc. These include:

A Detailed History - Their role in providing a detailed history is very important. Your doctor will need to know where and when it hurts, there was a recent injury or a fall, and a description of the symptoms. Are there positions or activities that make you feel worse? What do you feel better? All of these details can help your doctor identify the problem.

A physical examination - Once your story is given a thorough examination by an expert in spinal examination is another important step in getting a good diagnosis.

Diagnostic Imaging - Radiographs can show the structure and alignment of the vertebrae and the presence and size of bone spurs or other bone abnormalities.

MRI or "MRI" - MRI is probably the most widely used study to evaluate the disc. MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves. The images produced are very useful for visualizing soft tissues such as the spinal cord and discs and nerve roots.

CT or "CT" - This is a particular type of X-ray machine. Rather than just one of the X-rays, a scanner sends a series of beams at different angles. These images are then read by a computer, producing detailed sections or "slices" that can show the shape and size of the spinal canal and the surrounding structures.

Bone scintigraphies - These are useful for revealing certain abnormalities such as infections, fractures, tumors and arthritis. Because bone scans are unable to differentiate between these problems, usually performed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.

How long does it take to recover?

Recovery Microdystotomy depends on your particular situation. However, recovery from microdiscectomy surgery is faster because there are minimal soft tissue injuries and mechanical spine are not affected. You can quickly return to normal activity as long as you use good body mechanics and regain proper torso strength. During the initial healing phase, you should avoid bending, lifting and turning and sitting for long periods of time. If you work in an office, you should be able to return to work in 2-4 weeks. If your job requires heavy physical work, you may not be able to return to 3 months.