n. surgical removal of part (partial discectomy) or all (total discectomy) of a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc. It is performed for the relief of neurological symptoms arising from a displaced intervertebral disc compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord (see prolapsed intervertebral disc) or as part of a more extensive procedure. See also microdiscectomy.
(PID) a ‘slipped disc’: protrusion of the pulpy inner material of an *intervertebral disc through a tear in the fibrous outer coat, causing pressure on adjoining nerve roots, ligaments, etc. The condition often results from sudden twisting or bending of the backbone or lifting. Pressure on the sciatic nerve root causes *sciatica, and if severe may damage the nerve’s function, leading to abnormalities or loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or loss of tendon reflexes. 70–80% of patients improve with conservative treatment of rest and analgesics, and traction may help. If these fail, the protruding portion of the disc is surgically removed (see discectomy; laminectomy; microdiscectomy).... prolapsed intervertebral disc
pain radiating from the buttock into the thigh, calf, and occasionally the foot. Although it is in the distribution of the sciatic nerve, sciatica is rarely due to disease of this nerve. Pain felt down the back and lateral aspect of the thigh, leg, and foot is often caused by degeneration or displacement of an intervertebral disc (see prolapsed intervertebral disc), which encroaches upon and irritates a lower lumbar or an upper sacral spinal nerve root. The onset may be sudden, brought on by an awkward lifting or twisting movement that causes a tear in the fibrous coat of the disc, or more gradual, from progressive narrowing secondary to degenerative changes in the disc. The back is often stiff and painful and there may be numbness and weakness in the leg. Bed rest will often relieve the pain but surgical treatment is occasionally necessary (see laminectomy; discectomy; microdiscectomy).... sciatica
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