When Should conservative treatment for lumbar disc herniation be ceased and surgery considered?
The overall outcome seems to be better when patients are operated on for lumbar disc herniations within 2 months after onset of symptoms and sensory deficits. Due to these findings, we recommend conservative treatment up to 2 months and, if conservative management does not succeed, consideration of surgery.
What is being removed during a discectomy?
Diskectomy is the surgical removal of the damaged portion of a herniated disk in the spine. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher exterior. This can irritate or compress nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness.
How many Microdiscectomy are performed each year?
Lumbar microdiscectomy is the most commonly performed spinal surgery procedure, with over 300,000 cases performed annually in the United States alone.
Who is a candidate for Microdiscectomy?
Who is a good candidate for this procedure? Candidates for lumbar microdiscectomy are those with worsening pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs from a herniated disc. It is important that each patient is carefully screened by a qualified surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment.
How many years does a discectomy last?
While there is a risk for another herniation or a second surgery, the benefits of a successful microdiscectomy typically last for many years. One large study found that at an average follow-up of 4 years, about 84% of people who had the surgery rated their results as good or excellent.
Are Microdiscectomy successful?
Microdiscectomy Success Rates The success rate for microdiscectomy spine surgery is generally high, with one extensive medical study showing good or excellent results overall for 84% of people who have the procedure.
How painful is a Microdiscectomy?
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long.
How successful is discectomy?