What is the MED Procedure?
The Microendoscopic Discectomy (MED) was developed in 1997 for the treatment of lumbar disc disease. In September 1997, the MED system was adapted to the cervical spine by Dr. Tim Adamson. Traditionally, most cervical spine disease has been treated through the front of the neck (anterior fusion) or the back of the neck (posterior laminoforaminotomy). With both of these approaches, the patient was out of work for several weeks following surgery and experienced more postoperative pain. The increased pain was due to muscle stripping during surgery as opposed to muscle splitting with the endoscopic technique. Although both of these procedures are indicated for the treatment of cervical spine disease, the MED can be a benefit for appropriate patients. Click here to view a short video describing MED. (Windows Media Player required). You can also go to our video library for additional information on MED and herniated discs.
