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A discectomy removes a disc herniation (bulging disc) to relieve pressure on an adjoining nerve. A traditional open discectomy requires a large (up to four inches) incision down the middle of the back with extensive stripping of muscle from the spine to reach the affected disc. Though using one-inch skin incisions, newer microsurgery discectomies still involve cutting muscle and scraping it from the spine to access the disc. The muscle damage of these surgeries contributes to most postoperative pain and longer, more difficult rehabilitation periods.
Fundamental to the METRx™ System are specially designed metal tubes, called dilators, which progressively increase in diameter size. These dilators are inserted sequentially—smaller to larger—through the muscle to gradually separate, or split, and open the muscle to create an opening large enough for surgical tools to be used. The system's retractor tubes maintain the opening while the surgeon uses specially designed surgical tools to access elements that are causing pain.
Surgeons are able to precisely locate, see, and remove herniated discs in the spine through tunnels created by tubes that split back muscle; much like a sewing needle splits the weave of fabric, along natural divisions. No muscle fiber is cut, only separated. This unique muscle-splitting approach allows surgeons to access the spine with a posterior approach without cutting or removing muscle from the spine.
How It Works:
- Using a special "live-action" X-ray called a fluoroscope to visualize the spine, the surgeon precisely locates the herniated disc.
- Guided by the fluoroscope, a small needle is inserted through the skin and muscle to the affected area.
- The needle is withdrawn, a ½-inch skin incision is made, and dilators are inserted, one around the other, to gradually "split the weave" of the muscle until a ¾-inch tunnel to the disc is created.
- The retractor holds the tunnel open to allow for the microscope (or endoscope), surgical tools, and instruments to be inserted.
- While viewing the herniated disc through the microscope, the surgeon uses special instruments to remove the herniated disc.
- Once the procedure is completed, the tube is withdrawn and the separated muscle fibers flow back together.
- A small adhesive bandage is applied to cover the incision.
You can find more information on minimally invasive surgical therapies at www.back.com.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about the METRx™ MicroDiscectomy System. Or, use our Find A Doctor locator to search for a minimally invasive surgeon in your local area.
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