Treatment Options for Lumbar Spine Conditions
The lumbar spine plays a critical role in supporting the body's weight and enabling movement. Over time, conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative changes can lead to symptoms like lower back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, and weakness. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication fail to provide relief, surgical options may be recommended to address nerve compression and restore function.
What is A Lumbar Decompression?
Lumbar decompression surgery aims to relieve the symptoms arising from nerve compression in the lumbar spine. In cases where spinal instability is present, fusion may be required to stabilize the affected vertebrae. Relieve symptoms, such as:
What is A Lumbar Microdiscectomy?
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon removes the part of the herniated disc pressing on the spinal nerve, while preserving the healthy part of the disc to cushion between the vertebrae. The goal is to relieve nerve compression while minimizing tissue damage and preserving spinal structure. Relieve symptoms, such as:
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The Lumbar decompression Procedure
There are two types of lumbar decompression:
LD Without Fusion, which is a minimally invasive surgery where the surgeon only makes a small incision to remove part of the bone or disc material compressing the nerve (laminotomy or discectomy). No spinal fusion is performed, and the natural movement between vertebrae is preserved.
LD With Instrumentation and Fusion, in cases of spinal instability, fusion is required to stabilize the affected vertebrae: the surgeon places screws, rods, or cages to stabilize the spine, and adds bone grafts between the vertebrae to further prevent future motion between them. Relieve symptoms such as:
The Lumbar microdisectomy Procedure
A lumbar microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure during which the surgeon makes a small incision to remove the part of the herniated disc that is pressing on the spinal nerve, while leaving the healthy part of the disc intact to cushion between the vertebrae. The surgeon makes a small (∼3 cm) incision at the back, at the level of the affected disc, makes a way through the musculature and accesses the disc through one of the openings of your spine, using a microscope or a loupe to better visualize the small structures. Once there, only the herniating disc material is removed, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. The goal is to relieve nerve compression while preserving the rest of the disc and spine structure.
Procedure highlights
Depending on the severity of the condition, lumbar decompression surgery can be performed at one or multiple levels, allowing for targeted and effective treatment.
- Minimally invasive approach with a small incision
- Relief of nerve compression to restore mobility and reduce pain
- Option for fusion to stabilize the spine and enhance long-term stability
Lumbar decompression is generally a safe and effective procedure, but as with any surgery, there are risks. At Ortho Westmount, we take every precaution to minimize complications and ensure your safety throughout the process.
- Risks include
Spinal instability (20%) - Neurological deficits: numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness (1-2%)
- Dural injury: damage to the spinal cord's protective layers (10%)
- Infection of the surgical site (2%)
Need for reoperation (15%)- Hematoma: blood collection near the surgical site (0.6%)
- Proximal Junctional Disease (PJD): spine wear near fusion area (3.8%)*
*If receiving lumbar decompression with instrumentation and fusion.
Personalized Care Every Step of the Way
From pre-surgical consultations to post-operative recovery, the team at Ortho Westmount will provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. We employ a multimodal pain management strategy and monitor your progress closely to ensure you are on track for a full recovery. Our priority is to restore your quality of life and help you get back to doing what you love.
Ready to Take
the First Step?
Struggling with neck pain or nerve-related symptoms? Ortho Westmount is here to help. Our expert spine surgeons will work with you to determine if a lumbar decompression or lumbar microdiscectomy is the right solution for your condition.
