Percutaneous Discectomy
A percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery performed by using tiny needles to reduce the size of a herniated disc. The surgeon commonly uses a live X-ray vision to guide the needle to the herniated disc, and the needle is fitted with a probe with a rotating tip inserted in the needle.
The rotating tip in the probe is turned on to remove small portions of the disc nucleus to create a space to allow the disc to reabsorb the herniation and relieve pressure on the nerve. The surgeons ensure to remove just enough herniation to reduce the stress on the disc and leave the spine stable to support the body.
The spinal column contains bony vertebrae with soft rubbery structures in between each vertebra known as discs. If a herniation occurs in any of these discs, the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the nerves, legs, neck, and arms and also causing pain in your back.
How long does the percutaneous discectomy take?
The procedure from preparation to the actual act is an outpatient procedure that takes about an hour. It is performed under local anesthesia to avoid the risk of general anesthesia. The procedure is performed by your orthopedic with the help of nurses.
What should patients expect after surgery?
Percutaneous discectomy is favored by the orthopedic because it has successfully reduced pain and the use of pain medication. Studies also show it has a functionality increase in up to 90% of the patients who have received the treatment.
Recovery from the procedure is fast as there is no interference with muscles or bones during the procedure. Your doctor will discharge you an hour after the procedure and resume normal activities within a week.
The procedure has far fewer complications in comparison to open surgical discectomy.
Who needs a percutaneous discectomy?
Percutaneous discectomy is an effective treatment for back and neck pains that have not positively responded to other treatment forms, including physical therapy and pain medication.
The doctor will recommend the treatment if you have a herniated disc, osteoporosis, or herniated disc. The treatment can also be used to treat other conditions that may cause the degeneration in your spine or the intervertebral disc.
What are the benefits of a percutaneous discectomy?
Percutaneous discectomy is a lower-risk treatment for neck and back pain. The procedure is a safer alternative to surgery, and your doctor will recommend it to reduce pain, avoid surgery and increase your mobility.
Percutaneous discectomy is beneficial in correcting underlying problems that are not responsive to traditional medication.
The procedure is less invasive, thus causing minimal scarring and fibrosis commonly associated with other forms of treatments.
How long does it take to recover?
Your doctor will be discharged on the same day unless there are complications. You will likely experience soreness and discomfort in the injection area, but it will ease out after about 48 hours. Your orthopedic will prescribe pain medication for the first day and the second one if necessary.
Your orthopedic will also advise you to take it easy then gradually resume your normal activities as you feel comfortable. If there is no complication, you will continue your regular activities a week after the procedure.
The role Ceda Orthopedic Group plays
Your orthopedic surgeon will oversee the procedure and will schedule the follow-up visits until such a point that you feel prepared to resume your normal activities. The orthopedic also does a check-up to ensure you have no other underlying procedure causing the condition. They are in charge of medication and recommending physical therapy.
Our orthopedic clinic offers free transportation to patients who need a ride before or after their procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon at Ceda Orthopedic Group is here to take care of you! Don’t let transportation stop you from receiving the pain treatment that you deserve, let us help.
Interested in learning more? Contact Ceda Orthopedic Group today!
Ceda Orthopedic Group in Miami, Florida, can perform percutaneous discectomy to reduce the size of a herniated disc. During a percutaneous discectomy, your surgeon will use a state-of-the-art x-ray system to perform the procedure.
Schedule an appointment with a Ceda Orthopedic Surgeon, and we will recommend pain medication or an exercise plan to help you get back to your usual self. During this initial appointment, we will determine if your pain or injury could be reduced with percutaneous discectomy.
Contact Ceda Orthopedic Group to book an appointment with one of our medical physicians to help with your pain.
