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

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.

1st choice discectom: For a first herniated disc and anatomically consistent radicular symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment and time, a discectomy is a good choice. Fusion for herniated disc is generally reserved for recurrent herniation. I generally will suggest a fusion after a third disc herniation requiring surgery.

Spine Pain Options: This pain in the distribution as you suggested is the result of an irritated nerve or facet joints or other injury typically in the lumbar spine (low back) which are caused by herniated disks, spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, etc requiring further evaluation by a spine specialist and may be candidate for facet injections/radiofrequency ablation and epidural steroid injection.