Important Safety Information
Surgeon Site
Treatment Options

Lumbar Discectomy for Herniated Disc Relief

This ultra-minimally invasive endoscopic procedure removes fragments of a herniated disc in your spine. This relieves pressure on nearby spinal nerves and can help reduce pain, numbness, and weakness in one or both legs.

What Is a Discectomy?

Discs act as spinal shock absorbers. Of the 23 discs in the spine, 5 are in the lower back. Over time or due to injury, a disc’s outer layer can weaken. This causes the inner material to bulge or herniate, pressing on nerves and causing pain. A discectomy is designed to remove the protruding part to relieve pressure, ease pain, and improve mobility. 

Explore Approaches

Which Conditions Can a Discectomy Address?

Discectomies most commonly address pain related to herniated discs. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

‍

  • Leg pain that may be accompanied by back pain
  • Pain that is felt even when seated
  • Numbness, weakness, and/or tingling in one or both legs
Contained disc herniationExtruded disc herniationSequestered disc herniation

Types of Herniated Discs

Contained Herniation

Extruded Herniation

Sequestered Herniation

Approaches to Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

There are two primary approaches to endoscopic lumbar discectomy: interlaminar and transforaminal.

The interlaminar approach is commonly used to address herniations in the lower area of the lumbar spine, generally at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. The transforaminal approach is often used for herniated discs higher in the spine, such as at the L1-L2, L2-L3, and L3-L4 levels. However, your surgeon may recommend this approach at any spinal level based on where the problem is located and your individual anatomy.

Minus icon indicating accordion is openPlus icon indicating accordion is closed

Interlaminar Approach

Minus icon indicating accordion is openPlus icon indicating accordion is closed

Transforaminal Approach

Site
HomeTreatment OptionsFAQs
Treatment Options
Endoscopic Spine SurgeryMedial Branch Nerve Transection Lumbar Discectomy
Legal
ReferencesImportant Safety InformationPrivacyLegal Notice

© 2026 Arthrex, Inc. All rights reserved.

This is not medical advice and Arthrex recommends that surgeons be trained in the use of a particular product before using it in surgery. A surgeon must always rely on their own professional judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product when treating a particular patient. A surgeon must always refer to the package insert, product label, and/or directions for use before using any Arthrex product. Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact Arthrex if you have questions about availability of products in your area. Patient images, videos, and/or testimonials are used with written authorization from the patient.