Percutaneous Discectomy

Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat pain caused by a herniated disc compressing a spinal nerve. By removing a portion of the protruding disc material, this outpatient procedure relieves nerve pressure and reduces back pain, leg pain (sciatica), neck pain, or arm pain.

Percutaneous discectomy is commonly recommended for patients with persistent radicular symptoms who have not improved with conservative treatment.

What Is a Percutaneous Discectomy?

The spinal column is composed of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. When a disc herniates, part of the inner disc material protrudes into the spinal canal and compresses nearby nerve roots.

This nerve compression may cause:

  1. Sciatica (radiating leg pain)
  2. Unilateral leg pain greater than back pain
  3. Arm pain (in cervical cases)
  4. Numbness or tingling
  5. Muscle weakness

A percutaneous discectomy removes small portions of the herniated disc to decompress the affected nerve root.

Conditions Treated

Percutaneous discectomy is indicated for:

  1. Lumbar disc herniation
  2. Cervical disc herniation
  3. Radicular pain in a dermatomal distribution
  4. Sciatica
  5. Nerve root compression confirmed by imaging

It is most effective in patients with contained disc herniations and preserved disc height.

These injections specifically target pain generated from the upper cervical facet joints rather than muscular or disc-related pain.

Symptoms of Upper Cervical Joint Dysfunction

Patients with atlanto-occipital or atlanto-axial joint pathology often report:

  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Deep suboccipital pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Limited neck rotation
  • Pain with flexion and extension
  • Headaches that worsen with neck movement
  • Reduced range of motion in all planes

Table of Contents

How the Procedure Is Performed

  1. The patient is positioned comfortably in a procedure suite.
  2. The skin is sterilized and locally anesthetized.
  3. Using fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance, the physician advances a small needle into the atlanto-occipital or atlanto-axial joint.
  4. Contrast dye may be used to confirm accurate placement.
  5. Medication is injected into the joint space.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Benefits of Atlanto-Occipital and Atlanto-Axial Joint Injections

Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joint injections are used to treat:

  • Targeted treatment of upper cervical spine pain
  • Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
  • Accurate diagnosis of neck pain source
  • Reduced inflammation within C1–C2 joints
  • Improved function and range of motion
  • Decreased need for systemic pain medications

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pain relief last?

Relief duration varies. Diagnostic injections provide temporary relief, while corticosteroid injections may provide weeks to months of reduced inflammation and pain.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. A local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort.

The injection typically takes 20–30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.

Most patients resume light activities within 24 hours unless otherwise instructed.

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

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infor@urbanspinejoint.com

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