Herniated discs are often referred to as "slipped discs". This term derived from the action of the nucleus tissue when it is forced from the center of the disc. The disc itself does not slip. However, the nucleus tissues located in the center of the disc can be placed under so much pressure that they can cause the annulus to herniate or rupture against one or more of the spinal nerves which then can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the low back. leg or foot. Other names used for herniated discs are "prolapsed", "bulging", and "ruptured" discs.

(2) What are the different types of treatments for herniated lumbar discs?

Depending upon the results of the physical examination and the severity of your condition, your doctor may offer you two forms of treatment. The first common treatment is the aforementioned "Conservative Therapy," bed rest, pain medication, and physiotherapy. If conservative therapy does not bring enough pain relief, surgical procedures may be considered.

Until a few years ago, the only surgical treatment for herniated lumbar discs was the open removal of a part of the herniated disc, an often effective but major operation that required general anesthesia, the dissection of muscle, removal of bone, and at times bone fusion.

In recent years, techniques employing the use of endoscopy have been incorporated into lumbar spine surgery making minimally invasive spine surgery possible while overcoming disadvantages of traditional techniques. Non-traumatic Discectomy can provide an effective way to decompress and repair damaged discs without open surgery.

An endoscope provides clear visualization and magnification of deep structures. First used in knee surgery (arthroscopy), an endoscope with its advanced miniaturization and video imaging technology has made it possible for a less invasive and less traumatic discectomy procedure for some patients.

(3) What is a Non Traumatic Discectomy?

A Non Traumatic Discectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. The procedure may be performed in the operating room or special procedures room. Patients are administered a local anesthesia, consisting of an injection of anesthetic in the muscle (not a spinal block) and also IV sedation.

Then, with the help of x-ray fluoroscopy and a magnified video for guidance, a small specially designed probe is inserted through the skin of the back, between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space. Work is done down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc. The bulging disc can be pushed back into place and also disc fragments and small bone spurs can be removed.

On average, the procedure takes about 45 minutes to an hour. X-ray exposure is not significant. You normally will feel little, if any, pain or discomfort. Upon completion, the probe is removed and a small Band-Aid is placed over the very small opening. There are no stitches.

The amount of nucleus tissue removed varies, and the supporting structure of the disc is not affected by the surgery. In comparison to large incisions required for open surgery, the access route to the disc in non trauamatic surgery consists of only the probe's small opening site, usually the size of a freckle (frequently heals with no trace).

(4) How is Non-Traumatic Discectomy different from open Lumbar Disc Surgery?

A Non Traumatic Discectomy is different from an open lumbar disc surgery because there is no traumatic back muscle dissection or cutting, no bone removal, and no significant skin incision. The risk of complications from scarring, blood loss are essentially eliminated with this procedure. Non Traumatic Discectomy was invented to be an effective treatment for herniated discs while avoiding these risks.

(5) How soon after the procedure can I resume my normal activities and/or go back to work?

Most patients feel immediate relief from pain following the procedure. Walking is permitted the same day and patients can be discharged from the hospital that evening. While the Non Traumatic Discectomy procedure is frequently performed on an outpatient basis, your physician may recommended an overnight hospital stay. Some patients experience low back muscle spasms that may last a few days following the procedure. This pain can be relieved with muscle relaxants and pain medication, if needed.

Most patients can resume normal activities and return to work that is not physically exerting within 1 to 4 days. Patients commonly have the procedure on Friday and go back to work on Monday. Little, if any, postoperative medication is required for most patients.

However it is important for patients to realize that they have undergone a procedure and should not participate in active competitive sports, heavy lifting or strenuous exercises until they have been released by the physician to do so, (usually within two to six weeks).

(6) Why is the Non Traumatic Discectomy at the BetterSpineSurgery better for me than other surgical options?

Clinical results with Non Traumatic Discectomy, as compared to alternative surgical procedures, have proven:

• Excellent success rates of up to 97%
  
• Less risk of infections
  
• No stitches
  
• No serious complications
  
• No general anesthesia
  
• No blood loss (i.e., no risk from blood transfusion)
  
• Less hospitalization (many patients return home immediately)
  

The primary advantage of this outpatient procedure is that it is effective and very low risk since there are no interferences with the muscles, bones, joints or manipulation of the nerves in your lower back area.

Since the insertion of the probe through the muscle in the opening, there is no scarring in or around the nerves. Because the Non Traumatic Discectomy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you may be allowed to return home the day of the procedure. Many patients worldwide fly in for the procedure and fly out the next day.

Studies have shown that up to 97 percent of the patients have experienced relief of symptoms with the percutaneous discectomy. Patients who do not obtain pain relief with six weeks of the procedure may be considered for other surgical procedures because there does not appear to be any detrimental effect from performing endoscopic surgery prior to other techniques.

(8) Who should consider the Non-Traumatic Discectomy procedure?

Non Traumatic Discectomy is specifically designed for patients with disc problems accompanied by the following:

• Recurring buttock, groin, low back, or leg pain, numbness or weakness
• Pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, i.e. bed rest, pain medication, physical therapy, or muscle relaxants
• Herniated disc confirmed by CT Scan, MRI Scan, Enhanced CT Scan, Myelography, or Discography.

• Evidence of neurological or vascular pathologies mimicking a herniated disc
• Advanced spondylosis (significant bony spurs)
• Advanced arthritis
• Stenosis caused by bone only, should not consider endoscopic surgery

(9) If I'm coming from out of town, how long will I have to stay in your area?

The Non Traumatic Discectomy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, so there is no overnight stay at our facility. Many patients worldwide fly in for the procedure and fly out the next day. If you are from out of town, you will need a local hotel room for the length of your stay. There are numerous hotels within 1 mile of the BetterSpineSurgery.