Degenerative Disc Disease

The inner portion of the disc is soft and spongy and enables it to function as a shock absorber. Over time the intervertebral discs degenerate, losing their water content and ability to absorb shock with movement. Excessive pressure, strain or injury to a rigid disc can cause the disc to tear and bulge. This causes the discs to come closer together and compress the spinal nerve roots, causing pain, numbness and decreased mobility.

At our partner hospitals the highly advanced skills of the neurosurgeons include Computer Assisted Neurosurgery using an operating computer, which allows them to apply instrumentation within 1 mm of accuracy. Automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy is done this way. The device they use is also very advantageous in locating difficult tumors and avoiding fragile structures during surgery.

Microsurgery (dissection of minute structures under microscope by hand held instruments) can be successfully done for lumbar or anterior cervical discectomy or decompression.

Total disc replacement surgery is also available when the degeneration of the disc or discs is so far advanced.