What is a Microdiscectomy: MN Workers’ Compensation

A microdiscectomy or microdecompression spine surgery involves the removal of a small piece of bone and/or disc material that is impinging on a spinal nerve root. A microdiscectomy is typically performed for a herniated lumbar disc to relive leg pain or radiculopathy.

Impingement on a nerve root can cause significant leg pain, discomfort, tingling, and/or numbness. After a microdiscectomy, it can take weeks or months for a nerve root to fully heal, most patient feel relief from leg pain almost immediately following a microdiscectomy spine surgery.

According to Spine-Health.com, a microdiscectomy is performed through a small (1 inch to 1 1/2 inch) incision in the midline of the low back.

• First, the back muscles (erector spinae) are lifted off the bony arch (lamina) of the spine. Since these back muscles run vertically, they can be moved out of the way rather than cut.
• The surgeon is then able to enter the spine by removing a membrane over the nerve roots (ligamentum flavum), and uses either operating glasses (loupes) or an operating microscope to visualize the nerve root.
• Often, a small portion of the inside facet joint is removed both to facilitate access to the nerve root and to relieve pressure over the nerve.
• The nerve root is then gently moved to the side and the disc material is removed from under the nerve root.

A miscrodiscectomy spine surgery may be an appropriate treatment option for individuals suffering from leg pain due to a disc herniation for a period of at least six weeks, and that individual has not found sufficient pain relief with conservative therapies, such as oral steroids, NSAID’s, and physical therapy.

To watch a video from Spine-Health.com to learn how a microdiscectomy can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc, click here.

Back injuries, including lumbar disc herniations, are one of the most common work-related injuries we see in our Minnesota workers’ compensation practice. Back injuries can also be very contentious cases within the Minnesota workers’ compensation system. You may be entitled to a variety of Minnesota workers’ compensation benefits if you sustained a work-related back injury, including medical expense benefits, wage loss benefits, permanency benefits, and/or rehabilitation benefits.

For a free, no-obligation case consultation to learn about your rights under the Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Act contact Meuser & Associates at 877-746-5680, or click here to send us an email to schedule a time to speak with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.