Image used with permission from Medtronic
Figure 18.1
The top illustration demonstrates the incision that is used for a microdiscec-
tomy. Many specialists use an incision that is only about one third as long as
the incision on the illustration. The length of the cut is of little consequence.
Microdiscectomy is a relatively minor invasive procedure with the minimum
amount of tissue damage.
The illustration on the opposite page (top left) demonstrates the area through
which the spinal canal is entered (circles), by taking a small amount of the
lamina (see the chapter Anatomy of the Spine) and removing the ligament
inside the spinal canal (ligamentum flavum). The picture on the opposite page
(top right) reveals the nerves after the bit of the lamina and the ligamentum
flavum has been removed. This image demonstrates the approach when both
sides are done at the same time. Only one side would frequently be performed,
especially if the disc herniation is only towards one side. The bottom two pic-
tures (opposite page) demonstrate how the nerves are retracted to one side
and the offending part of the disc removed.
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