Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy removes the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a spinal nerve root. Using a small incision and a surgical microscope, the surgeon can work without disturbing much of the surrounding tissue. It's one of the most common spine operations, with success rates above 90% for relieving the leg pain caused by disc herniation.
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Who Needs Microdiscectomy?
Surgery makes sense when a lumbar disc herniation is causing significant leg pain, numbness, or weakness that hasn't improved after 6 weeks of conservative care — rest, physical therapy, and injections. Progressive neurological deficits or cauda equina syndrome (bladder or bowel involvement) require urgent evaluation.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Walking is encouraged the same day. Avoid bending, lifting, or twisting. Some back soreness is normal.
Walk a bit more each day. Leg pain often improves noticeably in the first week. Most desk workers are back at their computers within 1-2 weeks.
Physical therapy starts to build core strength. You can drive again once you're off pain medication.
Light physical work is back on the table. Most daily activities are restored by now.
Most patients, including those doing physical labor, are fully recovered.
Risks & Complications
- Disc reherniation at same level (5-15%)
- Spinal fluid leak (dural tear, 1-2%)
- Infection (less than 1%)
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Recurrent symptoms requiring repeat surgery or fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
How is microdiscectomy different from spinal fusion?
Microdiscectomy just removes the disc fragment pressing on the nerve — no hardware, no fusion, no change to spinal stability. Recovery is much faster as a result. Fusion is for instability or deformity, not disc herniation.
How quickly will my leg pain go away after microdiscectomy?
Leg pain often improves within days of surgery. Back pain takes longer. Full nerve recovery — including any numbness or weakness — can take weeks to months, depending on how long the nerve was compressed before surgery.
What are the chances my disc herniates again?
Reherniation at the same level happens in about 5-15% of cases, usually in the first year. Avoiding heavy lifting early in recovery, staying at a healthy weight, and building core strength all lower the odds.
Find a surgeon for Microdiscectomy
Compare orthopaedic surgeons who perform this procedure.
Search surgeonsEstimated Cost
$15,000 - $50,000 (before insurance) depending on facility and region. Widely covered by insurance after documented failed conservative treatment.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Spine Specialists →Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.