Lumbar diskectomy is a minimally invasive back surgery procedure performed to remove any damaged areas of a degenerated disc of the lower spine. This procedure may be recommended when a disc between the vertebrae has become degraded, and a patient is experiencing significant pain, weakness, and other symptoms.
Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Diskectomy?
This surgery may be recommended to treat sciatica (leg pain) caused by degenerative disc disease or a bulging or herniated disc. You may be a candidate for lumbar diskectomy if:
- You have significant leg pain (sciatica) greater than lower back pain;
- Non-surgical treatments, such as oral steroids, physical therapy, and NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) have failed to provide relief;
- An MRI or diagnostic test shows that you have a herniated disc.