Ruptured Disc Surgery

When to Consider Ruptured Disc Surgery

If weeks or months of non-operative, conservative treatments have not helped you to find lasting pain relief from a ruptured disc, surgery may become an option. Because the pain of a ruptured disc is caused by disc material coming into contact with nearby spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself, surgery will focus on removing all or part of the disc that is the source of neural compression. When considering surgery, take time to consider your options, the risks, and the alternatives. Ask your doctor about pre-operative preparations, post-operative care and recuperation, and, of course, the procedure itself.

How Does Surgery Treat a Ruptured Disc?

Traditionally, the most common type of ruptured disc surgery has been an open spine operation called a spinal fusion. A fusion is a highly invasive procedure that involves the following:

• The spine is accessed anteriorly or posteriorly
• Part or all of the damaged intervertebral disc is removed
• The surrounding spinal canal and foramina are cleaned of other obstructions
• A bone graft is inserted in the disc space between two adjacent vertebrae
• The graft will likely be held in place by implanted rods and screws
• Dissected muscles and ligaments are reattached and the incision is closed
• Post-surgical X-rays, incision evaluation, and physical therapy are usually necessary

Endoscopic Techniques

People who are suffering from the chronic symptoms of a ruptured disc and have not found relief from conservative, non-operative treatments may think that an open spine surgery is their only option. However, you should know that Laser Spine Institute‘s minimally invasive procedures are the safe and effective alternative to open back or neck ruptured disc surgery. In fact, each month more people come to Laser Spine Institute to relieve their neck and back pain than to any other spine surgery center in the world. For more information about our outpatient, endoscopic procedures, or for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan, contact one of our nationwide consultation facilities today.