It may also be used to remove benign tumors on the spine. There are small risks to the operation and it is not always successful. Some recurrence of back pain and sciatica occurs in half to two-thirds of postoperative patients. One study reported that the operation in children and young adults can increase the risk for spinal deformity. In cases where abnormal positioning or vertebrae movement puts pressure on the nerves, such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis, surgeons may fuse vertebrae together.
Fusion employs a bone graft or some other device to join the vertebrae together.
One medical device uses a tiny hollow metal cage, which is implanted into the disc space. Complications and Outlook Many patients still have back pain after discectomy that delays discharge. Other complications of spinal surgery can include nerve and muscle damage, infection, scarring, and the need for reoperation. It may take four to six weeks for full recovery. Gentle exercise may be recommended.