Microdiskectomy - series

Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources

Previous | Next
Normal anatomy

A normal intervertbral disk is compared to a herniated disk.

Normal anatomy
Incision

A small incision is made over the spine.

Incision
Indications

After identifying and moving the nerve root, the surgeon identifies the injured disk tissue.

Indications
Procedure

The surgeon removes the injured disk tissue and fragments.

Procedure
Aftercare

The back muscles are moved back into their normal position, and the wound is closed with stitches or staples.

Aftercare
Previous | Next
Illustrations and Images (5)
Review date: June 02, 2006
Reviewed by: Kevin Sheth, M.D., Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. � 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.