This is a very common procedure (also known as open discectomy) that is used to treat ruptured or herniated discs in the spine. The surgeon will make a small incision (about 1 inch) and will remove the muscle tissue from the bone and retractors are used to hold the muscle and skin to allow the surgeon to get a clear view of the spine. Once there is a clear view of the vertebrae, the doctor will remove the portion of the protruding disc and any other disc fragments that shouldn’t be there. This surgery will help relieve pressure on nerve tissue and minimize pain associated with the disc issue.
