How is a microdiskectomy performed?

Small incision: Through a small incision, the surgeon works down to the spinal lamina. Make a window in in the lamina, remove or move aside the ligamentum flavum, dissect in the epidural space, move the nerve root aside with a retractor, identify and remove herniation. Some surgeons remove only the herniation, others remove any additional disc material that comes easily.

Microscopic: Microdiscectomy is the removal of disc fragments with assistance of the microscope. It is performed thru small openings. It is now used in association with mis systems. Mis allows the performance of the same procedure thru small tubular opening that does not require the destruction of adjacent muscles & vesselsl, potentially reducing scar tissue formation and leaving the muscle intact.