Microdiscectomy Procedure in St. Louis, MO
Microdiscectomy (Lumbar Disc Microsurgery)
What the procedure is
A lumbar microdiscectomy removes the small portion of a herniated disc that’s pressing on a nerve in the lower back. Through a short incision and with the aid of a surgical microscope (and often tubular retractors), your surgeon gently moves muscle aside, locates the fragment, and frees the pinched nerve. It’s typically an outpatient procedure with a straightforward recovery plan.
What it can help with
Microdiscectomy is designed to relieve leg pain, numbness, and tingling caused by sciatica. Many patients notice a meaningful reduction in shooting leg pain soon after surgery as pressure on the nerve is relieved, making walking and daily activity more comfortable.
What it treats
- Lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy (sciatica)
- Persistent leg pain or numbness from a disc fragment compressing a nerve root
- Select recurrent herniations after initial improvement with conservative care
Who needs this treatment
You may be a candidate if significant leg pain, numbness, or weakness persists despite conservative care—such as activity changes, physical therapy, medications, laser therapy, or targeted injections—or if weakness is progressing. During your St. Louis consultation, we’ll review your history, exam, and MRI to confirm the disc level involved and discuss whether microdiscectomy is the safest, most effective option for your goals.
The benefits
- Direct nerve decompression to address sciatica at its source
- Small incision with muscle-sparing access and typically minimal blood loss
- Usually same-day surgery with a clear, stepwise return to activity
- Rapid leg-pain relief in many patients and improved walking tolerance
- A focused procedure that preserves normal structures not causing symptoms
How we can help as a practice
At Orthopedic Spine Institute of St. Louis, we start with a conservative-first plan and reserve surgery for when it’s truly appropriate. If microdiscectomy is right for you, we’ll explain each step in plain language—pre-op preparation, the day of surgery, driving and desk-work timelines, lifting precautions, and therapy milestones—so you always know what’s next. Our team verifies insurance up front, coordinates any needed imaging, and schedules timely follow-ups to track recovery.
Ready to talk through your options?
Answer a few quick questions and we’ll route you to the right visit type. You can also call our St. Louis office or book online.
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