Lumbar Microdisectomy

About 40% of people in the US experience some form of sciatica during their lifetime, making it one of the most common nerve pain conditions. When a herniated disc presses on the nerves in your lower back, simple activities like sitting or walking can become painful ordeals. Lumbar microdiscectomy removes the disc material that’s causing your leg pain. The orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, utilize advanced microsurgical techniques to give patients relief from persistent sciatica. Call your nearest office or schedule online if conservative treatments haven’t stopped your back and leg pain.

What is lumbar microdiscectomy? 

Lumbar microdiscectomy treats leg pain caused by herniated discs in your lower back. When a disc bulges out and presses on nearby nerves, it can cause shooting pain down your leg. This surgery removes only the piece of disc causing the problem, leaving the rest of the disc intact. 

The procedure utilizes a microscope or surgical glasses, called loupes, to magnify the site of the injury, along with smaller tools and instruments to work in the restricted space of the spine.

Who benefits from lumbar microdiscectomy? 

This procedure helps when a herniated disc causes persistent leg pain. You might be a candidate if you experience:

• Sciatica that shoots down your leg 
• Numbness or tingling in your leg or foot
• Leg weakness that makes walking or performing daily tasks difficult
• Imaging tests that show a herniated disc pressing on nerves
• Pain severe enough to disrupt your sleep or work
• Symptoms that haven’t responded to conservative care

The team might recommend surgery sooner if you develop muscle weakness or lose control of your bladder or bowel.

What happens during lumbar microdiscectomy? 

Most microdiscectomy procedures take one to two hours to complete. Your surgeon makes a small incision in your lower back and uses a microscope to see the affected area clearly. They move muscle tissue aside and may remove a small piece of bone to reach the herniated disc. 

Your surgeon then removes the disc fragment that’s compressing your nerve while preserving the healthy disc material.

What is recovery like after lumbar microdiscectomy? 

Most people go home the same day as their surgery. You can typically start driving and return to light desk work within the first couple of weeks. During the early recovery period, you should avoid bending, lifting anything heavier than a few pounds, and twisting your back.

Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, and many patients notice their leg pain improves soon after surgery, though some back soreness around the incision site is normal for the first few days.

Lumbar microdiscectomy can help you get back to activities you’ve had to give up because of leg pain. To determine if this procedure can help your sciatica, call the nearest Anchor Spine & Joint office or schedule your consultation online.