Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Microdecompression

Overview

This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove overgrown vertebral bone and soft tissue to relieve the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. It is performed through a small incision on the back.

Preparation

After anesthesia has been administered and the patient is positioned face down, the surgeon uses a portable x-ray machine to identify the diseased vertebral level or levels. Then, the surgeon makes the smallest possible incision in the skin directly above the target level.

Accessing the Vertebra

A series of dilators of increasing size are carefully guided down through muscles and soft tissue. The surgeon slides a tubular retractor over the dilators and removes the dilators, creating a working channel that leaves muscle tissue intact. This working channel allows the surgeon to access the target vertebra and painful nerve root in a way that minimizes incisional pain and scarring of the muscles.

Decompression

The surgeon may use a microscope or endoscope to direct surgical instruments through the working channel. Excess bone or ligament tissue is carefully removed from the space around the nerve root, relieving pressure and pain.

Meet Your Team

Why settle for a single doctor when you can have a team of spine experts? Our unique approach to diagnosis and treatment ensures you get multiple point-of-views, especially in complex cases.

Meet Tom Winders

BUSINESSMAN, GOLFER & BACK PAIN CONQUEROR

For a while, the only place Tom Winders could get a decent night’s sleep was on his living room love seat, where he could position his back just right. That’s when he knew something had to be done.