WHAT IS IT?
Discs fit between the bones of the spine and protect the spine from forces caused by bending, twisting, turning, sitting and standing, and allow motion in the spine. Sometimes discs bulge out or press on a nerve, causing pain. A portion of the disc can be removed to help relieve the pressure on the nerve through a procedure called discectomy. The most common method of discectomy is through a surgery where the outer portion of the disc is removed. An alternative method reduces the pressure without a surgical incision by removing an inner portion of the disc using a needle. This is called percutaneous discectomy. Before the procedure the patient will be given medicine through an IV for comfort during the procedure. The back is sterilized and numbed, and then a specialized needle is placed into the disc using x-ray guidance. A small portion of the disc is removed and then the needle is removed. The patient can usually go home the same day.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
There is some risk of bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, nerve or blood vessel damage and failure of pain relief. Rare but serious risks include damage to a spinal nerve, puncture of the spinal membrane and infection or abscess formation inside the disc.