Procedure Description

The patient will lie on their stomach with their back exposed. The surgeon cleans the area and makes a small incision (less than one inch) above the problematic vertebra. A needle is then inserted to the bone of the specified vertebra/disc via a fluoroscope. The muscles around the area are moved using a set of dilator tubes, which create a pathway to the bone - the whole procedure is performed through this pathway using a camera or microscope. Using small instruments (such as a drill), the surgeon creates an opening through the bone to reach the spinal canal. From here, the surgeon is able to clear away only the exposed part of the disc, allowing more room for the spinal nerves and relieving the pressure. All instruments are then removed, and the incision is covered with a small bandage.