Question 1

which is better for?a herniated disc --- ?discectomy or fusion?

Accepted Answer

Discectomy: If the main problem is leg pain a discectomy is indicated. If there is abnormal motion which we call instability or if there has been years of chronic back pain, a fusion may be indicated.

Question 2

what is the best option for a herniated disc? is it discectomy or fusion?

Accepted Answer

Usually diskectomy: In the majority of cases of low back disk herniation needing surgery, diskectomy is the best approach. In the neck, diskectomy combined with fusion is the best approach most of the time (in select cases neck diskectomy without fusion is a good option). Review your options with your provider. If in doubt, get a second opinion.

Question 3

can you suggest exercises post herniated disc surgery(discectomy)?

Accepted Answer

Herniated disc: The exercise are really based on where the pain distribution is location and any other associated signs or symptoms. Consultation with a local physical therapist would like be the best recommendation as they have the most experience in this type of treatment.

Question 4

which is better in removing herniated disc ..the microdiscectomy vs endoscopic discectomy ?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the size and location of the disk herniation. Another factor is the surgeon: she or he may be more experienced and skilled with one or the other. Outcomes are similar with both if used on the appropriate problem. Talk to your surgeon about options, and get a second opinion if you are in doubt.

Question 5

i had laminectomy/discectomy for l4-l5 herniated disc.  11 days later i tripped on uneven sidewalk and fell forward landing completely flat face first on the sidewalk.  this was 3 days ago.  is this likely / possibly a problem for recovery?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It is impossible to tell without a proper evaluation of the whole situation. There are too many variables that could make the recovery longer or troublesome and certainly trauma is one of them. You may or may have not had trauma in the surgery area, but there is no way to tell without a proper evaluation.

Question 6

diagnosed with a sequestration herniated disc l5. my back has been sore for while but lately my one legs feels numb and foot has pins and needles. my neurosurgeon wants to operate asap discectomy. any adviceor  thing i should consider or be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Disc herniation : A disc sequestrated is an advanced disc disease that can cause pain and leg numbness or weakness. It is a common reason for the need for disc surgery.  Your need for disc surgery should be based on your MRI results, symptoms and physical examination. not the MRI alone. 
All medical procedures should include a discussion regarding benefits and risks. This discussion is best done by your surgeon.

Question 7

is an endoscopic discectomy a good suggestion for people with a herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Several surgeons use an endoscope to do the disc removal while many more use a microscope.  As long as the surgeon is well trained in the procedure then it is a viable (although less common) option.

Question 8

i had a diskectomy and laminotomy at l4/ l5 57 days after developing a herniated disk and subsequent foot drop. i am 2 week post op and wondering when foot drop will improve. i cannot stand on my heel and have no bend in my ankle?

Accepted Answer

: Recovery from nerve compressive problems depends upon the severity of the damage.  If merely the myelin insulation is damaged, improvement is noted at 3-4 weeks after decompression.  If the axonal core is involved, recovery takes place at the speed of fingernail growth, if at all.  Most often this is a mixture, and an EMG study can delineate if recovery is ongoing.

Question 9

is there a chance to have a recurrent for the herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Possible: If you have had a herniated disk, this can shrink and desiccate over several months, but a traumatic event could result in more local damage and cause additional herniation or even fragmentation and either could compress a nerve root.

Question 10

when will my herniated disc heal?

Accepted Answer

May take months: It is pertinent that a European study of un-operated ruptured discs showed desiccation and shrinkage spontaneously over a period of 8-10 months.

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Doctor answers about:

Recurrent herniated disc after discectomy

A member asked:

Which is better for?a herniated disc --- ?discectomy or fusion?

A member asked:

What is the best option for a herniated disc? is it discectomy or fusion?

A member asked:

Can you suggest exercises post herniated disc surgery(discectomy)?

A member asked:

Which is better in removing herniated disc ..the microdiscectomy vs endoscopic discectomy ?

A member asked:

I had laminectomy/discectomy for l4-l5 herniated disc. 11 days later i tripped on uneven sidewalk and fell forward landing completely flat face first on the sidewalk. this was 3 days ago. is this likely / possibly a problem for recovery?

A member asked:

Diagnosed with a sequestration herniated disc l5. my back has been sore for while but lately my one legs feels numb and foot has pins and needles. my neurosurgeon wants to operate asap discectomy. any adviceor thing i should consider or be aware of?

A member asked:

Is an endoscopic discectomy a good suggestion for people with a herniated disk?

A member asked:

I had a diskectomy and laminotomy at l4/ l5 57 days after developing a herniated disk and subsequent foot drop. i am 2 week post op and wondering when foot drop will improve. i cannot stand on my heel and have no bend in my ankle?

A member asked:

Is there a chance to have a recurrent for the herniated disk?

A member asked:

When will my herniated disc heal?

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