Los Angeles Disc repair refers to procedures used to repair the intervertebral discs (the discs between the vertebrae). Laminectomy is a particular procedure to relieve pressure on a disc by removing the lamina, which is a piece of bone lying over the spinal canal.

What Is The Indication for Disc Repair and Laminectomy?

These procedures are indicated in herniated lumbar disc repair, which can be painful and debilitating.

Am I A Candidate for Disc Repair and Laminectomy?

You may be a good candidate for disc repair or laminectomy if you have:

• Herniated disc confirmed by CT or MRI Scan, Myelography, or Discography.
• Recurrent arm or leg pain that causes you significant limitation of activity.
• Severe back pain may be due to slip disc and such pain that has not responded to conservative treatments.
• Weakness/numbness in your arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Problems with bladder and bowel control (these are mediated through the spinal cord)

What Do Disc Repair and Laminectomy Involve?

Laminectomy Procedure:

• General or spinal anesthesia can be used. First, the back is approached through a two-inch to five-inch long incision in the midline of the back and the left and right back muscles (erector spinae) are dissected off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels.
• After the spine is approached, the lamina is removed (laminectomy) which allows visualization of the nerve roots.
• The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may then be undercut (trimmed) to give the nerve roots more room.

Endoscopic Microdiscectomy:

This is a minimally invasive procedure done with an endoscope. Using local anesthesia and x-ray fluoroscopy and magnified video for guidance, a small, specially designed endoscopic probe is inserted through the skin of the back, between the vertebrae and into the herniated disc space. Tiny surgical instruments are sent down the hollow center of the probe to remove a portion of the offending disc.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

Los Angeles Disc repair Surgery removes the pressure on the affected discs. The solution is permanent, unlike medication treatments or other conservative approaches, which have usually proven futile by this time.
Endoscopic techniques are minimally invasive and thus the patient experiences less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery. Unlike with a laminectomy or open decompression technique, there is no large incision, no back muscle dissestion, and no removal of bone.

How Long Does Disc Repair or Laminectomy Take?

Laminectomy takes about 1-2 hours. Endoscopic discectomy takes about one hour.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually only one treatment is required.

When Will I See Results?

There is usually a fairly immediate relief from back pain, as the pressure has been relieved by the surgery.

What Are My Alternatives to Disc Repair or Laminectomy?

Non-Surgical:

• Heat or cold therapy
• Pain management
• Electical stimulation
• Wearing a back brace
• Hydrotherapy
• Physical therapy

Minimally-Invasive or Surgical:

• Chemonucleolysis (injection of an enzyme into the disc)
• Spinal fusion

Will I Have Pain?

Anesthetic is used during the procedure, so pain should be not be a major issue, but there may be a small amount of postoperative pain. This is less of an issue in the endoscopic procedure because of the smaller incision site. Pain is usually managed well with prescription or over-the counter analgesics.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

Laminectomy: 1-3 day hospital stay; walking is encouraged immediately after the procedure. Returning to work depends on the individual patient- about a week or two after being sent home.
Endoscopic discectomy: an outpatient procedure. Most patients return to work in 7-10 days.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained specialists in the field.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Most insurance companies cover these procedures. However, you should check with your insurance company to determine whether or not this procedure is covered.