Degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs and bony structures naturally lead to increased spinal instability. In order to maintain spinal stability, the body resorts to self-repair and produces bony outgrowths in the region of the facet (zygapophyseal) joints. In this way, it attempts to restore damage, but at the same time it narrows the spinal canal, causing severe pain in the affected spinal segment, which in some patients radiates down into the legs. In medicine, this is known as spinal stenosis.
During microsurgical decompression of nerve compression, the altered parts of the vertebrae or facet joints are removed in order to eliminate continuous irritation of the highly innervated surrounding area. This procedure is performed as open surgery.
You may stand up and walk again on the same day. You will not need a special supporting brace. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you will be discharged from the hospital on the 5th to 7th postoperative day. After approximately 1–2 days of rest, you will begin individual physiotherapy in an inpatient rehabilitation center or at a center of your choice.