DNB (Orthopedics), Diploma In Orthopaedics (D. Ortho), MBBS, Fellowship Trained Spine surgeon
Orthopedic Doctor, Mumbai
•
24 years experience
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You correctly answered out of 5 questions
What does a Herniated Disc refer to?
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Discs are typically cushions, flat, and round shape, located between the vertebrae (bones of the spine). They absorb shock, prevent bones from rubbing onto and against each other, and facilitate movement without stiffness. A Herniated Disc refers to a ruptured, bulged, or slipped disc that gets pushed out from the bones. It can press the surrounding nerves leading to pain, weakness in the lower part of the body, and numbness.
What causes a Herniated Disc?
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A significant injury or strain can cause a Herniated Disc in any part of the spine.
Also, due to aging, degeneration of the material of the disc and weakening of ligaments holding them in place can lead to this condition. It can be diagnosed through X-Ray, CT scan, MRI, Electromyogram (EMG), Myelogram, and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS).
Which of these are the options for relieving a Herniated Disc?
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A Herniated Disc can most of the time be relieved initially through pain relievers, resting appropriately, and physical therapy. However, if the symptoms still persist with little or no relief, surgery is the next option considered. Sometimes, when the symptoms are extremely bad leading to difficulty even in moving around and performing small tasks of daily life, trouble in walking and standing and uncontrollable bowel and bladder pattern, surgery can be considered in the early stage.
What is the name of the surgical procedure performed to treat a Herniated Disc?
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The surgical procedure performed to treat a Herniated Disc is called Discectomy. Discectomy involves full or partial removal of an intervertebral Herniated Disc.
Discectomy broadly classified in two types.
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Discectomy is broadly be classified into two major types depending on the extent of invasion: Open Discectomy and Microdiscectomy.
An Open Discectomy involves cutting the back or the neck depending on the location of the Herniated Disc, and its removal.
Microdiscectomy refers to a minimally invasive approach to Discectomy, in which a special microscope is inserted through a small incision in the affected area to view clearly the condition of the nerves and discs inside. Then, accordingly, the Herniated Disc is removed.
Microdiscectomy causes less damage to the surrounding tissue as compared to an open procedure. Moreover, the recovery time is drastically reduced in this case, and so does the risk of any infection.
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