Endoscopic and percutaneous discectomies are advanced, minimally invasive procedures used to treat herniated or damaged spinal discs that cause back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, and between each bone is a soft cushion known as a disc. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to move smoothly. When a disc becomes injured, bulges, or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves. This pressure often causes pain, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness in the arms or legs.

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Disc injuries can happen for many reasons. Some patients develop disc problems over time due to wear and tear, aging, or repetitive strain. Others may experience disc herniations after sudden trauma, such as a car accident, slip and fall, or sports injury. Motor vehicle accidents in particular can place significant force on the spine, leading to disc damage that may not improve with conservative treatment alone.

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During an endoscopic or percutaneous discectomy, the goal is to relieve nerve pressure by removing the small portion of the disc that is causing symptoms. These procedures are performed through a very small incision, often less than one centimeter. In an endoscopic discectomy, a thin tube with a tiny camera (called an endoscope) is inserted so the physician can clearly see the affected area on a monitor. Specialized instruments are then used to carefully remove the damaged disc material. In a percutaneous discectomy, instruments are inserted through a needle-like opening to remove or shrink the problematic disc tissue without large surgical cuts.

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Because these procedures are minimally invasive, there is less disruption to muscles and surrounding tissue compared to traditional open spine surgery. This typically means less bleeding, smaller scars, reduced post-procedure pain, and a faster recovery time. Many patients go home the same day and return to normal activities more quickly.

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Endoscopic and percutaneous discectomies are often recommended for patients who have not improved with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections. For properly selected patients, these procedures can provide meaningful relief while avoiding more extensive surgery.