CA
A 63-year-old female asked:
Why is discectomy and fusion necessary when the problem is nerve root compression from bone spurs. research says disc comp gen. resolves w/out surgery?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Westonanswered
Orthopedic Spine Surgery 32 years experience
Depends on Diagnosis: For disc herniation disectomy shown give quicker leg pain relief no difference at two years sport trial. Fusion are recommended for spinal instability not generally a problem with a simple disc herniation really need to know what symptom you want to get treat and what the diagnosis is,generally stenosis can be accompanied with spondylolithesis a slip which does better as a decompression and fusion
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 5, 2015
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