Discectomy

A discectomy is a form of spinal decompression surgery to treat a herniated disc (sometimes called a "slipped disc"). A herniated disc occurs when a piece of a spinal disc bulges or ruptures and slips out of place, which can put pressure on a spinal nerve. This, in turn, may cause neck pain, back and/or leg pain (as may be felt in sciatica), leg weakness, leg numbness or cauda equina syndrome.

How does a discectomy work?

In a discectomy, damaged parts of a herniated disc are removed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and alleviate pain. There are various methods and approches for performing this type of surgery. The choice of which is appropriate may depend on your specific condition and anatomy, as well as other factors. Learn more from the articles below.

You may be a candidate for discectomy if you have:

• diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, myelogram) that show a herniated disc
• significant pain, weakness, or numbness in your leg or foot
• leg pain (sciatica) worse than back pain
• symptoms that have not improved with physical therapy or medication
• leg weakness, loss of feeling in the genital area, and loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome)