Discectomy and Microdiscectomy Offered at Mercy Medical Center
Mercy Medical Center, in Baltimore, Maryland, offers comprehensive care for a wide range of spine conditions, including physician expertise provided by orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.
The spine surgeons at Mercy are experienced in minimally invasive surgical discectomy and mircodiscectomy to relieve pain caused by disc herniation.
What are Discectomy and Microdiscectomy?
A discectomy is a procedure used to remove the damaged portion of a herniated disc. This condition is caused when one of the small cushions located between each bone of the spine ruptures or tears due to natural aging and disc degeneration. After tearing, the gel-like interior of the spinal disc may press against the nerves of the spine causing pain and discomfort. A discectomy is used to remove these fragments of the disc in order to relieve pressure.
A mircodiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure and type of discectomy that utilizes a special microscope inserted through a very small incision to view and remove the damaged area of the herniated disc. As a minimally invasive procedure, patients typically experience less pain and a faster recovery as compared to traditional surgery.
How are Discectomy and Microdiscectomy performed?
An incision is made to expose the area of the spine in need of repair and the fragments caused by the herniated disc are removed. When possible, Mercy surgeons utilize minimally invasive procedures, including the use of a special microscope to remove the damaged area of the disc. In some cases, the surgeon may determine the entire disc may need to be removed, in which case a spinal fusion or artificial disc replacement may be required to repair the spinal column, relieve pain and restore function and mobility.
Who should receive a Discectomy or Microdiscectomy?
Patients with a herniated disc whose conditions do not respond to conservative treatment or worsen over time may be candidates for a discectomy or mircodiscectomy. A thorough examination and consultation with an experienced spine surgeon at Mercy will help determine if either of these treatment options is suitable for your condition.