Disc Fx

Minimally invasive discectomy - Disc Fx

Disc Fx Discectomy under Local Anesthesia

Introduction (conditions it treats):

The Disc-FX® System is an innovative, minimal access spine system designed to efficiently access the damaged disc without injury to surrounding disc anatomy. Disc-FX® permits multiple treatment options compared to other 'single treatment' devices. In addition to manual decompression, Disc-FX® features a patented navigational device called Trigger-Flex,® which was specifically designed to help clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus.

Who is a Candidate for the Procedure?

Patients with symptomatic, contained lumbar disc herniations that have not responded to conservative treatment, may experience relief from the use of Disc-FX®. Typical signs of a contained lumbar disc herniation is lower back pain or pain radiating down the leg accompanied by some lower back pain. Disc-FX® may not be beneficial for advanced degenerative disc disease or spinal fractures.

Potential benefits of the Procedure:

• Out-Patient Procedure
• Minor Skin Incision
• Short Procedure Time
• Multiple Treatment Options
• Local Anaesthetic
• Targeted Access to Damaged (Diseased) Area
• Treat Multiple Disc Levels
• Quick Relief of Symptoms
• Earlier Return to Normal Activities
• Minimal Tissue Damage
• Preserves all additional surgical options, should they be needed

What to do before procedure:

Medical evaluation includes a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), steroid injection, or discography may be conducted to diagnose and locate the symptomatic disc herniation and determine if the procedure if appropriate.

What to expect from the procedure:

The Disc-FX® System requires the patient to lie on their stomach throughout the procedure. Minimal anesthesia requirements are typically necessary. A needle is inserted into the skin near the affected disc level, followed by a working 'tube' into the disc. Graspers are used to manually remove and decompress the offending herniation. The patented Trigger-Flex® is then activated to help clean the disc and seal tears in the annulus. At the conclusion of the procedure, the 'tube' is removed and a small bandage is applied

What to do after the procedure:

All patients post-procedure for Disc FX must follow the directions provided to you by West Michigan Surgery Center. The directions provide you with standard of care post-procedure guidelines to ensure a complete recovery from the procedure.

No leaning forward at all for 1 month. Lay down for the whole day of the procedure. Day 2 lay around mainly. Day 3 get out to walk about 10 minutes slowly. From day 3 until day 30, do not sit for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Any possible complications:

As with any other minimally invasive disc treatments, side effects of Disc-FX® are relatively rare and should be discussed with your physician.

Procedure Images