Question:
My dad is looking into getting a microdiscectomy(L4-L5), ad he's a little wary about it because he's heard of a lot of people who have gone through it, but the disc has re-ruptured. If this happens, the only other treatment would be a spinal fusion, and he doesn't want to go through that
Does anyone know if this procedure is more likely to rupture the disc again after the surgery? Thanks a ton
Does anyone know if this procedure is more likely to rupture the disc again after the surgery? Thanks a ton
Answers:
I would recommend conservative treatment. Try seeing a chiropractor. If the progression you listed was the progression and only two routes his doctor offered, you might want to get a second opinion. The problem with microdicectomy is that when they go in and clean up the area, they also scrape some healthy fibers away, along with the damaged fibers. Even if it were just removing the damaged fibers it would still cause the disc to be weak compared to his other discs. As the previous answerer noted, discs will occasionally resorb which might make the surgery pointless.
I would highly recommend finding a reputable chiropractor in the area and starting a trial of care with them. Make sure they are someone who comes recommended from other people who have had disc problems, and that the doctor is willing to discuss the problem, and evaluate your dad's progress so he is getting better. Chiropractic does wonderful things, my friend started chiropractic school because of his results from a chiropractor when he was treated for a similar problem. Chiropractic was the only thing that helped, even after he had the interior of his disc removed.
Regardless of what treatment you choose, be very wary of any doctor who does not recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before having the surgery as this is the standard of care for any uncomplicated disc related complaint currently- if he wants to rush your dad in, he is probably looking to finish paying off his boat, rather than focused on the best choice for your dad.
I would highly recommend finding a reputable chiropractor in the area and starting a trial of care with them. Make sure they are someone who comes recommended from other people who have had disc problems, and that the doctor is willing to discuss the problem, and evaluate your dad's progress so he is getting better. Chiropractic does wonderful things, my friend started chiropractic school because of his results from a chiropractor when he was treated for a similar problem. Chiropractic was the only thing that helped, even after he had the interior of his disc removed.
Regardless of what treatment you choose, be very wary of any doctor who does not recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before having the surgery as this is the standard of care for any uncomplicated disc related complaint currently- if he wants to rush your dad in, he is probably looking to finish paying off his boat, rather than focused on the best choice for your dad.
Source(s):
4th year chiropractic student and a good friend had the surgery and eventually had to get his nucleus pulposus (the center part of the disc) taken out.
i deal with the issue regularly. i read neurosurgeon's and orthopedist's depositions and medical records constantly. i also see the patients results. first, if humanly possible, i would have no surgery. multiple studies have shown that a herniated disc will often times re-absorb itself if left alone in one year. i have seen the mri scans that prove it. second, if he is just to the point he can not possibly live with it any more, i would recommend that he have a full discectomy (removal of the disc) it has been my experience that microdiscectomies fail more than discectomies. once a disc is removed it is not likely to herniate again. however, the disc above and below are more succeptable to degeneration. if it later becomes problematic, a fusion is the next option. no matter what you do, get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon or orthopedist in another group. i would suggest finding an orthopedist who has done a spinal fellowship, if you go to an orthopedist. best of luck. feel free to email me if you have any questions.
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