Disc decompression | Interventional Spine
Disc decompression
Your quality of life matters
If lower back pain is holding you back, take control—your quality of life is worth every effort to reclaim. Disc decompression is typically used to relieve chronic pain, numbness or weakness caused by nerve compression. It creates space in the spine to reduce pressure on nerves or the spinal cord, is often minimally invasive, takes 30–60 minutes, and usually allows same-day discharge.1
Studies have shown percutaneous discectomy to be successful in reducing pain and medication requirements, while increasing function in up to 90 percent of patients.3
How it works
Before the procedure
Your doctor will do a physical exam and order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI or CT scan, to confirm a diagnosis.7,8 These tests help determine the location of the herniated disc and whether disc decompression is the most appropriate treatment. If you are a good candidate, your doctor will ask you for the following information:9
- Current medications, including herbal supplements and their dosages
- Known drug, iodine or latex allergies
- Current health conditions
During the procedure
Disc decompression (also known as discectomy) can be performed while you are sedated. Your back is numbed with a local anesthetic. Using X-ray guidance, a small needle is inserted through the skin and into the herniated disc. When the probe is in the correct position, the herniated disc tissue is removed, reducing the size of the disc herniation.4,10
After the procedure
Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored before you go home. Your doctor may advise you to apply ice to the treatment area to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor will provide guidance on any activity or lifting restrictions following the procedure. Recovery time varies with each person, but many patients are able to resume work and normal daily activities within 3-5 days.4,9
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Potential risks of the procedure
General complications of any surgery may include bleeding, infection, blood clots and reactions to anesthesia. Specific complications related to disc decompression may include deep vein thrombosis (blood clots form inside the leg veins), lung problems, nerve damage or persistent pain.9
Potential complications related to the use of the Dekompressor percutaneous discectomy probe for disc decompression include, but may not be limited to infection, bleeding, nerve damage, worse pain, paralysis, anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction that may cause swelling of the lips and tongue, breathing problems and loss of consciousness) or death.11
Please consult with your doctor for the full list of possible side effects.
*Many are able to resume work and normal daily activities within three to five days.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide what course of treatment is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatment is right for you. Any medical procedure carries certain risks and your doctor will explain all possible complications and/or side effects. Not all patients will experience the same results.
Stryker or its affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: AutoPlex, Dekompressor, Discmonitor, iVAS, mild, MultiGen, OmniCurve, OptaBlate, PCD, SpinePlex, SpineJack, Stryker, Venom, VertaPlex, VertaPlex HV, Verteport, and Verteport X4 Manifold. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.
- Mayo Clinic Health System. (2022, January 13). Understanding types of back surgery. Speaking of Health. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/understanding-types-of-back-surgery
- Alò KM, Wright RE, Sutcliffe J, Brandt SA. Percutaneous lumbar discectomy: one-year follow-up in an initial cohort of 50 consecutive patients with chronic radicular pain. Pain Pract. 2005; 5(2):116-23
- Alò K, Wright RE, Sutcliffe J, Brandt SA. Percutaneous lumbar discectomy: clinical response in an initial cohort of 50 consecutive patients with chronic radicular pain. Pain Practice 2004; 4:19-29
- National Spine & Pain Centers. (2020). Percutaneous discectomy: Alternative treatment for herniated discs. Retrieved on June 13, 2025 from: https://www.treatingpain.com/treatments/percutaneous-discectomy/
- Onik G, Maroon J, Helms C, Schweigel J, Mooney V, Kahanovitz N, Day A, Morris J, McCulloch JA, Reicher M. Automated percutaneous diskectomy: initial patient experience. Work in progress. Radiology. 1987 Jan;162(1 Pt 1):129-32.
- Erginousakis D et al. Comparative prospective randomized study comparing conservative treatment and percutaneous disk decompression for treatment of intervertebral disk herniation. Radiology. 2011; 260(2):487-493.
- North American Spine Society. (2020). Herniated lumbar disc. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from: https://www.spine.org/KnowYourBack/Conditions/Degenerative-Conditions/Herniated-Lumbar-Disc
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (2021). Vertebral compression fractures. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from: https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/vertebral-compression-fractures/.
- Bohinski R. (2018). Lumbar discectomy. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from: https://www.mayfieldclinic.com/pe-lumdiscectomy.htm
- Hirsch J. (2019, March 19). Percutaneous discectomy. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from: https://www.spineuniverse.com/treatments/surgery/percutaneous-discectomy
- Dekompressor IFU (0407-280-706 Rev AA)
IVS-GSNPS-MICRO-1695462_REV-0