Degenerative Disc Disease
Situation
Ms. JS is a 37-year-old nurse who developed lancing right leg pain while assisting one of her patients. She had a long history of back problems, which she could live with, but the sciatica was intolerable. MRI indicated a large disc herniation at the L5-S1 level that was compressing the S1 nerve root (Figure 23).
Figure 23. MRI reveals a herniated disc "x" at the L5-S1 level.
Treatment
Dr. McCormack performed an endoscopic disc removal with a half-inch skin incision just large enough to insert the scope. The patient went home the same day and had complete relief of her leg pain.
Figure 24A. MED/Danek® endoscope used for disc herniation
Figure 24B. Intraoperative photo showing nerve root retracted with disc fragment.
Patient Comment
"I work at the same hospital as Dr. McCormack and I know he does fantastic work. He is professional and his staff is really responsive and courteous."
