What Is Microdiscectomy?

Spinal surgery once meant large incisions, long recovery periods, and painful rehab. Fortunately, surgical advances like the microdiscectomy procedure have improved the process.

Microdiscectomy, also sometimes called microdecompression or microdiskectomy, is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure performed on patients with a herniated lumbar disc. During this surgery, a surgeon will remove portions of the herniated disc to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve column.

According to a study microdiscectomy is effective at eliminating sciatica pain caused by disc herniation. Sciatica is a pain condition caused by compression of the spinal nerve. This compression is most often the result of a herniated lumbar disc.


As the hernia develops and the damaged tissue extends into the spinal column, it pushes on the nerves. This causes the nerves to send pain signals to the brain. The pain is interpreted to be coming from the legs.

A microdiscectomy is typically recommended for patients who have:

• Experienced leg pain for at least six weeks
• Not found sufficient pain relief with conservative treatment.


During a microdiscectomy, a small incision will be made directly over the affected disc. A lighted microscope will help your surgeon see the affected area. The surgeon may remove a small portion of bone that protects the root nerve. With a scissor-like tool, your surgeon will remove the damaged herniated tissue relieving the pressure on the nerve. The spinal nerve now has the space it needs inside the spinal column, so any pain caused by pinching on the nerve should stop.

The recovery time is shorter than other, more invasive procedures. Most people can expect to leave the hospital that same day, or within 24 hours.

SPINAL TUMOR

                                                                   SPINAL TUMOR

 

A spinal tumor is a growth that develops within your spinal canal or within the bones of your spine. It may be cancerous or noncancerous.
Tumors that affect the bones of the spine (vertebrae) are known as vertebral tumors.
Tumors that begin within the spinal cord itself are called spinal cord tumors. There are two main types of tumors that may affect the spinal cord

1. Intramedullary tumors begin in the cells within the spinal cord itself, such as astrocytomas or ependymomas.

2. Extramedullary tumors (outside the dura mater lining ) develop within the supporting network of cells around the spinal cord. Although they don't begin within the spinal cord itself, these types of tumors may affect spinal cord function by causing spinal cord compression and other problems. Examples of extramedullary tumors that can affect the spinal cord include schwannomas, meningiomas and neurofibromas.

Tumors from other parts of the body can spread (metastasize) to the vertebrae, the supporting network around the spinal cord or, in rare cases, the spinal cord itself.

Spinal tumors or growths of any kind can lead to pain, neurological problems and sometimes paralysis. Whether cancerous or not, a spinal tumor can be life-threatening and cause permanent disability.

The diagnosis of primary spinal cord tumors is difficult, mainly due to their symptoms, which in early stages mimic more common and benign degenerative spinal diseases. MRI and bone scanning are used for diagnostic purposes. This assesses not only the location of the tumor(s) but also their relationship with the spinal cord and the risk of cord compression.

Treatment for a spinal tumor may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other medications.