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Learn the L5/S1 Microdiscectomy surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the L5/S1 Microdiscectomy surgical procedure.

Lumbar disc prolapse is a common condition which can cause lumbar nerve root compression and result in lower limb radiculopathy.

Everyone develops degenerative disc disease over the course of their life, with the lower lumbar discs generally being effected earlier than the upper lumbar discs. The vast majority develop a degenerative broad based bulge that does not cause any neural compression. However, some people will develop a focal prolapse or herniation which can cause nerve compression. The most common location for a disc herniation is paracentral, which is located within the spinal canal, and causes compression of the traversing nerve root in the lateral recess. Less common locations for disc herniation include central, foraminal, and far lateral.

The incidence of lumbar disc herniation is between 0.5% and 2% and is most common in people in their fourth and fifth decades of life. It can sometimes be related to a specific incident involving heavy lifting or bending, but there is often no specific causative factor.

The lower limb radiculopathy caused by the neural compression can be severe and tends to be felt in the dermatomal area of the compressed nerve.  The vast majority of disc prolapses do resolve spontaneously over time and this can generally take between 3 and 12 months. As such, most patients will be able to follow a non-operative course of treatment using analgesia and activity modification. Steroid injections around the nerve may help with pain relief during this time.

For those patients who cannot tolerate the pain despite non-operative measures or those who have a progressive neurological deficit, surgery may be beneficial.

Lumbar microdiscectomy is one of the most common spinal procedures performed and doctors managing spinal patients should be familiar with the management of lumbar disc herniation, the treatment options available, and the principles of a lumbar microdiscectomy.

 

Acknowledgement and thanks to Mr Simon Hughes FRCS (Tr & Orth) for providing a number of the images of this surgical technique.

Author: Mr Stephen Morris FRCS (Tr & Orth).

Institution: The Avon Orthopaedic centre, Southmead hospital, Bristol, UK.

Clinicians should seek clarification on whether any implant demonstrated is licensed for use in their own country.

In the USA contact: fda.gov
In the UK contact: gov.uk
In the EU contact: ema.europa.eu