What are the differences between an open and a minimally invasive discectomy?
A minimally invasive discectomy performed with the METRx System uses a much smaller incision, generally about an inch in length. This type of surgery creates a small tunnel through the muscles in the back down to the area where the herniated disc is located. In comparison, an open discectomy involves a much larger incision and also involves stripping the muscles away from the spinal column so that the surgeon can see the area where the herniated disc is located. The actual surgical procedure, removing the fragments of the herniated disc, is very similar with both techniques. How big is the actual incision for a minimally invasive discectomy? The tubular retractor that is used to create a tunnel down to the spinal column where the herniated disc is located measures 1.6 cm in diameter (about of an inch). The actual skin incision is a little bit longer than this, but is generally about an inch in length. This type of surgery uses a “muscle splitting” approach, so that the tubular retracto
