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A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: discectomy?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Paul Gauseanswered
Orthopedic Surgery - Spine 20 years experience
See below: A diskectomy means to remove all or a portion of the intervertebral disk. Imagine the analogy of a jelly donut. The disk is comprised of a tough fibrous outer layer (donut) and a gelatinous inner layer. Disk herniations can occur when some of the jelly leaks out of the donut. A diskectomy is most commonly (but not always )when this herniated bit of disk (jelly) is surgically removed.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Oroanswered
Neurosurgery 44 years experience
Partial disc removal: Discectomy is the a surgical procedure in which the ruptured portion of a ruptured spinal disc (the pad between two vertebrae) is removed. Disc tissue near the rupture may also be removed, but usually most of the disc is saved. If a spinal fusion is needed, a more complete discectomy is performed.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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