What is percutaneous discectomy?
Percutaneous discectomy removes a small amount of disc material through a needle or thin tube to relieve pressure on a nerve. It's used for contained disc herniations, where the bulge is still inside the disc's outer wall.
Who it may help
- Leg or arm pain from a contained disc herniation
- Not enough relief from therapy and epidural injections
What happens
Under local anesthesia and sedation, a needle is guided into the disc with X-ray, and a device removes or shrinks part of the disc.
Recovery and outlook
Most people go home the same day and return to light activity within days.
Risks
Infection, nerve injury, and the chance that the herniation recurs.
Other options to discuss
Cost and coverage
When a procedure is medically necessary, it is usually billed to health insurance, Michigan auto no-fault or workers' comp. Many plans need prior authorization. Our team checks your benefits before your procedure is scheduled and tells you about any cost you're likely to owe. See who usually pays · Ask us to check your coverage
Where to get care at Specialty Medical Center
Consultations are at our spine and pain offices in Dearborn, Sterling Heights and Garden City. Part of Minimally Invasive Spine Center.
Eduardo José Otero Loperena, MDInterventional pain medicine
Mohamed Osman, MDPain management
Aaron Greenberg, DOPhysical medicine and rehabilitationWho performs procedures, and where:
- Dr. Eduardo José Otero: Universal Care Surgery Center
- Dr. Mohamed Osman and Dr. Aaron Greenberg: Universal Care Surgery Center and Advanced Surgery Center
- Dr. Roy Torcuator: Advanced Surgery Center and Garden City Hospital
Office injections are done in our offices. Your physician confirms who performs your procedure, and where, at your consultation.
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This page gives general information. Your physician will explain whether a treatment fits you, its risks and the alternatives.
