Patients suffering from low back and leg (radicular) pain due to contained disc herniations may benefit from a percutaneous discectomy, especially if conservative treatments have failed. It is one option prior to considering traditional back surgery.
“Percutaneous discectomies are a minimally invasive alternative to back surgery,” said Stephen Rynick, M.D., of Culicchia Neurological Clinic. “We are able to remove part of the intervertebral disc using a specialized needle to provide decompression and decreasing disc pain, relieving the pressure of the disc on adjacent nerve roots. The patient’s recovery time is drastically reduced and there is no scarring.”
What type of pain can be treated?
Low back and leg pain due to contained disc herniations.
How does the procedure work?
The DEKOMPRESSOR® discectomy probe removes disc tissue which may relieve painful pressure on the surrounding nerves.
Will the procedure hurt?
There should be no pain generated by the discectomy probe. This advancement
in technology requires only a tiny puncture in the skin; similar to a simple injection.
How long does the procedure take?
The total procedure time is generally 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Is it covered by insurance?
Percutaneous Discectomy is covered by most insurance plans including group health, worker’s compensation, and insurance plans covering motor vehicle related accidents.
