Disc Removal - Orthopedic/Knee Surgery

Disc removal is one of the most common types of back surgery today. A disc is a ‘plate’ or pad that is located between each spinal bone that act as a cushion or shock absorber for the spine. This action protects the spine and brain from common impacts occurring during daily activities and minor accidents.

Disc removal is sometimes necessary for unsuccessful treatment of back pain lasting longer than six to eight weeks. The disc pad wears with age and dries out; causing tears or a bulging of the disc between the vertebrae, creating pain, limited range of motion, muscle weakness or other problems related to nerve compression.

Disc removal surgery benefits individuals by relieving pressure on nerve roots located in the spine. This in turn enables patients to resume normal daily activities of life, often without limitation. Pain is reduced or resolved as well, creating a return to a quality of life without discomfort.

As with other surgical procedures, new procedures are emerging that enable the surgeon to operate without major surgical incisions, however, many are still in the research stage. These less invasive procedures offer hope that less anesthesia and pain medications need to be used during and after surgery, as well as shorter recovery periods. Some of these newer procedures are:

Prior to surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will request x-rays, or other neuroimaging procedures such as MRI or CT scans to locate the exact location of the damaged disc. Many times noninvasive treatment options are trialed such as physical therapy and or medication. Surgery is always used as a last resort, or if there are indications of nerve compression or damage.

Disc removal is also known as a discectomy, and is generally performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, an incision is made into the vertebral canal and the surgeon moves other tissues to expose the damaged disc. This process may occur anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the lower back area. Usually, if the disc is bulging, the entire disc is removed. If there is limited damage to a part of the disc, the orthopedic surgeon generally will remove only the damaged portion, leaving the rest in place to provide the cushion between the vertebrae. Sometimes,

All surgical procedures carry risk but most often the disc may be partially or totally removed and healing occurs quickly. Disc removal surgery is successful more than 90% of the time in decreasing pain. Following surgery, physical therapy is necessary to return the back to its fullest level of function.

Cost of discectomy procedures depend on location and approach. An individual traveling to Costa Rica may spend approximately $12,000 on a cervical discectomy while a patient traveling to Thailand will spend approximately $8,000. Travelers to Columbia, Poland, and hungry also spend an average of $9,500 for such procedures.

Discectomy procedures are generally performed by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine care or neurosurgeon as well as a vascular or general surgeon. Surgeons should be chosen according to their expertise and experience in related fields. Physicians and surgeons should be certified in their field, and show membership in national or regional boards or associations in his or her country of origin.

Consumers are encouraged to get more than one opinion before engaging in any type of spinal surgery, as well as making sure that facilities, surgeons, and healthcare staff are accredited by international associations and organizations to ensure quality of equipment, technology, as well as quality of care by medical staff.