Minimally Invasive Surgery for Herniated Disc

If you have lower back (lumbar) or leg pain caused by a herniated disc along your spine, or injury or pressure to the sciatic nerve, you may benefit from a microdiscectomy. Also called lumbar microdiscectomy or lumbar disc microsurgery, a microdiscectomy is one of the most common spine surgeries.  

During a microdiscectomy, our USC Spine Center surgeons make a small incision and remove the affected part of your disc — the gel-like cushion between your spinal bones (vertebrae). A microdiscectomy also involves the removal of a portion of the lamina, the bone that covers and protects your spinal cord.  

A microdiscectomy reduces symptoms of a herniated disc, which include pain, numbness and tingling or weakness in the back and legs.  

Microdiscectomy Recovery

A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure. This means your spine surgeon uses smaller incisions and magnifying tools to access your spine. This approach makes microdiscectomy recovery time shorter than traditional spine surgeries.  

If you have a microdiscectomy, you may be able to return home the same day or within one day of surgery. Physical and occupational therapists will assist you with microdiscectomy recovery. They will show you how to move in the days and weeks following surgery so that you avoid strain or injury. Most people can expect a complete return to all activities with no permanent restrictions after microdiscectomy. 

Lumbar Disc Microsurgery