Information for the public
The procedure
The procedure
The procedure is done under a general anaesthetic. The aim is to relieve pain by removing the damaged disc and fixing parts of the spine together.
Using X‑ray guidance a probe is inserted through a small cut in the person's side, level with the affected disc. A small cut is also sometimes made in the back so that the probe can be moved into the right place. Instruments inserted around the probe allow removal of the disc that is causing pain. A cage is then inserted to hold the 2 vertebrae in position. A piece of bone (a graft, usually taken from the hip) is placed between the vertebrae, sometimes supported by screws, plates or rods. The procedure can be done at more than 1 place in the spine during the same operation.
It may take a few months for the person to be able to carry out their normal activities again.