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Oasis now offers Virtual Consultations for your initial evaluation.
Oasis now offers Virtual Consultations for your initial evaluation.
A microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that alleviates pressure on a nerve by removing disc material that is impeding its function.
When a herniated disc compresses nearby nerves and causes debilitating leg pain, numbness, or weakness, microdiscectomy offers a highly effective surgical option. This minimally invasive procedure combines precision with faster recovery times than traditional open surgery, making it a well-established approach for disc-related nerve compression. At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, our spine physicians help patients throughout New Jersey find relief from disc-related symptoms using advanced microsurgical techniques. With locations in Glen Rock, Union, and Clifton, our team works to ensure optimal outcomes while providing realistic expectations about recovery and minimizing risk.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery that removes herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves. Using a small incision — typically one to two inches — and specialized microsurgical instruments, surgeons can access the damaged disc, remove the problematic portion, and relieve nerve compression. This approach allows most patients to go home the same day, with significantly less tissue damage and a faster recovery compared to traditional open discectomy.
The discs in your spine hold the vertebrae together, act as shock absorbers, and allow for spinal mobility. They can experience wear and tear with age or become damaged from an injury or accident.
When conservative, non-surgical treatments are not effective or your condition worsens, a microdiscectomy may be the appropriate next step. Common spine conditions treated with microdiscectomy include:
Our spine physicians are ready to help you find relief. If your symptoms have not improved with conservative care, a microdiscectomy could be right for you.
Conservative treatment is not always able to provide sufficient pain relief. If it is not working for you, or your disc condition is considered too severe for a non-surgical approach, you may be a candidate for microdiscectomy. Candidates typically have been experiencing pain for six weeks or more without improvement.
During a microdiscectomy, a one-inch or smaller incision is made. Unlike a traditional discectomy surgery or lumbar endoscopic discectomy, the muscles and other soft tissues are moved aside to access the area of the problematic or damaged disc rather than cutting through them. This minimally invasive approach is better for you because it offers:
Most microdiscectomy procedures can be completed in about one hour, allowing you to return home within a few hours of surgery. Whether your disc pain is from age-related wear and tear or an injury, seeking treatment before your condition worsens gives you the best chance of a full recovery.
Microdiscectomy is performed under general anesthesia with the patient positioned face-down on a specialized surgical table. The procedure begins with a small incision, typically one to two inches long, over the affected disc level.
Your surgeon uses an operating microscope to provide magnified visualization of the surgical area, allowing for precise identification and protection of nerve structures. Specialized microsurgical instruments are used throughout to minimize tissue trauma. The surgeon carefully moves aside the back muscles and removes a small portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) to access the herniated disc. The nerve root is gently moved aside, and the portion of the disc compressing the nerve is carefully removed. Only the problematic disc material is extracted, leaving healthy disc tissue intact to maintain as much normal function as possible. The surgeon may also remove any loose disc fragments. Once decompression is complete, the surgical site is irrigated and the incision is closed in layers.
Recovery from microdiscectomy typically progresses quickly. Most patients go home the same day or within 24 hours. Leg pain often improves immediately, though some numbness may take weeks to resolve as the nerve heals. Walking is encouraged within hours of surgery to promote circulation and prevent complications.
During the first two weeks, patients should avoid bending, lifting, or twisting. Light activities like short walks are beneficial. Most patients return to desk work within two to three weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need six to eight weeks before resuming full duties. Physical therapy often begins two to four weeks post-surgery to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, which helps prevent future disc problems and supports long-term spine health.
The cost of microdiscectomy varies based on several factors, including surgical complexity, facility fees, and anesthesia charges. At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, we work with major insurance plans including United, Aetna, and Horizon. While we are out-of-network with most insurance carriers, many PPO plans provide strong out-of-network benefits.
We provide a complimentary benefits check before your procedure so you understand your out-of-pocket costs upfront. Our team explains your coverage clearly and helps you maximize the value from your plan — no surprises on the financial side of your care.
If you’re suffering from persistent leg pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a herniated disc, microdiscectomy in New Jersey may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, our spine surgeons have helped hundreds of patients throughout New Jersey achieve excellent outcomes through this proven procedure. We use the latest microsurgical techniques and advanced technology to ensure optimal results while minimizing risks and recovery time.
Our comprehensive approach includes a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for microdiscectomy, as well as personalized rehabilitation programs designed to maximize your recovery and prevent future problems. With multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey and a commitment to excellence in minimally invasive spine surgery, we’re here to help you return to the activities you love. Contact us today to learn more about microdiscectomy and how it can help restore your quality of life.
The team at Oasis Orthopedic & Spine consists of experienced physicians and specialists providing comprehensive orthopedic and spine care across nine convenient locations throughout Northern New Jersey. Specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery, advanced orthopedic treatments, and pain management, our goal is to bring you the real-world clinical expertise and proven treatment approaches we use in our practice daily.
