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Microdiskectomy

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Spinal microdiskectomy; Microdecompression

Risks:

Risks include the following:

• Nerve root damage
• Dural tears (tears to the tissue called the dura mater, which covers the spinal cord and spinal nerves)
• Re-herniation of the same disk

Because of the small incision, the doctor may miss some disk fragments. This could result in persistent pain.

References:

Deen HG, Fenton DS, Lamer TJ. Minimally invasive procedures for disorders of the lumbar spine. Mayo Clin Proc . 2003 Oct;78(10):1249-56. Review.

Koebbe CJ. Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Historical Perspective and Current Technical Considerations. Neurosurg Focus 13 (2): Article 3, 2002.

• Review Date: 3/13/2007
• Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH.Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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