Minimal Discectomy vs. MIS Discectomy
Surgical spinal procedures have moved towards minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. Despite this, improvements in microdiscectomy procedures have focused mainly on minimizing the opening for surgical access. Limited improvements have been made since discectomies have been established as a standard of care.
The next step for minimally invasive discectomy procedures extends beyond surgical access and allows for native tissue conservation.
The Anchor System can be used in herniated disc repair procedures by surgeons interested in disc preservation as part of a tissue sparing approach including securing residual defects. Studies have shown that smaller defects result in better procedural outcomes. 5
The minimal discectomy technique involves reducing the trauma to the disc by minimizing the annular incision (if an incision is required), and limiting the removal of tissue to include only the free fragments impinging on the nerve root. Finally, before completion of the procedure, the defect may be secured.
Current discectomy challenges
Although discectomies are one of the most commonly performed surgical spinal procedures, the dilemma between aggressive vs. minimal discectomy techniques has been discussed for as long as the procedure has been established.
Removing more disc material has been shown to reduce the risk of herniation, but it has also been shown to promote disc degeneration by 26%, 2 years post-surgery 6. Conversely, the removal of less disc material may be beneficial to prevent unnecessary disc degeneration but this has been associated with increased risk of reherniation 7.
Until now, there has been no consensus on the amount of disc material to remove during the discectomy procedure. The Anchor System in herniated disc repair procedures is a commercially available system to enable minimal discectomy with disc preservation in mind.
Aggressive Discectomy (AD)
Reduces reherniation, decreases native disc preservation (26% disc collapse in 2 years), worse long-term patient outcome.18
Poor Disc Preservation
Low Herniation Risk
Minimal Discectomy
Increases reherniation (2x more than aggressive), increases native disc preservation, better long term patient outcome (2.5x less reported incidents of recurrent back or leg pain compared to AD).8
Good Disc Preservation
High Reherniation Risk