The document provides frequently asked questions about minimally invasive spine surgery. It answers questions about pain after surgery (minimal due to small incision), showering (allowed with waterproof dressing), activity limitations after surgery (limited sitting and no strenuous activity for a few months), whether the surgery is experimental (technique has been used successfully since 1995), scar size (less than one inch), resuming sexual activity (after 1-2 weeks), pain medication usage (prescription pain medication as needed), insurance coverage (recognized procedure), driving (after 2 days for short distances), and includes contact information for the medical device company.

1. A P A T I E N T ’ S G U I D E T O
MINIMALLY INVASIVE
SPINE SURGERY
MINIMAL ACCESS SPINAL TECHNOLOGIESSM
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lot of pain after surgery?
Because of the minimally invasive nature of the
procedure there is not a lot of pain following surgery.
Your doctor will write you a prescription for pain
medication to use as needed. If pain is excessive you
should contact your doctor.
Can I shower after surgery?
You will have a waterproof dressing on your back. You
may shower quickly but try not to soak the dressing. Do
not use a hot tub.
What are my limitations after surgery?
You should take it easy. You can walk and lie down. Try
to limit sitting to 10 – 15 minutes at a time since this
position will tend to make you sore. After two weeks, you
can slowly increase your activity.
Check with your physician prior to participation in
strenuous sports or any activity that uses a lot of twisting
motion. These activities can normally be resumed two to
three months after surgery.
Is this surgery experimental?
The METRx™ System technique has been used
successfully since 1995. It is a minimally invasive way to
perform the same procedure that has been successfully
used to treat disc herniations for more than 60 years.
Will I have a large scar?
The incision is less than one inch long and usually heals
so it is barely noticeable.
When can I have sexual intercourse?
You can engage in sexual activity when you feel
comfortable, usually after one to two weeks. Remember
to moderate your activities and try to find a more
comfortable position if you have any pain.
Will I need medication?
You will be given hydrocodone or a similar oral pain
medication. Remember to use ice packs regularly and to
lie down when you need to rest your back.
Does my insurance pay for this surgery?
Yes. Insurance companies recognize this surgery as a
minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy.
When can I drive?
After two days following surgery you can drive short
distances when you are comfortable sitting in a car.
Sitting tends to aggravate the pain more than any other
position so limiting sitting and driving for the first 1 – 2
weeks is a good idea.
Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc.
1800 Pyramid Place, Memphis, TN 38132
Telephone: 901-396-3133
Medical content advisors:
Kevin T. Foley, M.D. and Maurice M. Smith, M.D.
©2002 Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
LITMTXPEBR2
Helpful Resources

2. Your Anatomy
The spinal column is one of
the most vital parts of the
human body, supporting our
trunks and making all of our
movements possible. All of
the elements of the spinal
column and vertebrae serve
the purpose of protecting
the spinal cord, which
provides communication
to the brain, mobility and
sensation in the body.
When the spine is injured
and its function is impaired
the consequences can be
painful and even disabling.
A herniated or ruptured disc
is one of the most common
spinal disorders. Everyday
activity can cause a disc to
rupture due to the constant
stresses exerted on the
spine. A ruptured disc in
the low back can “pinch”
the spinal nerve root
causing buttock and leg pain
(sometimes called sciatica).
If a disc ruptures in the
neck, shoulder and arm
pain can occur. Numbness
and/or weakness may also
be present. Conducting
tests, such as an MRI, and identifying regions of pain,
through physical exam, can determine the area of the
disc rupture in the spine.
For some patients, all that is required to heal and
recover is time. For others, medication may reduce
the inflammation or ease the pain in the affected area.
Physical therapy or exercise may also provide relief
from pain and aid in the recovery from a ruptured
disc. If your pain does not respond to these measures,
your doctor may recommend a METRx™ System
surgical procedure.
The Procedure
The METRx™ System surgical procedure is a minimally
invasive operation on the lumbar (low back) or cervical
(neck) spine and requires only a very small incision. It
allows the surgeon to remove
only the portion of your
ruptured disc which is
“pinching” the spinal
nerve root.
The patient is under
anesthesia and a small
incision is made over the
disc space. The muscle is
then dilated to avoid any
unnecessary muscle
damage. The ruptured disc
is removed through the
small tube and the
wound is closed with
sutures followed by a
small bandage. The
recovery time for the
METRx™ System
procedure is usually much
less than required for traditional
discectomy surgery.
After Surgery
Though there may still be some discomfort following
surgery, it is minimal. Your surgeon will release you
from the hospital when:
• your vital signs are stable,
• you regain the ability to walk on your own,
• you can eat without nausea, and
• your bladder activity is normal.
The length and degree of
recovery depends on
your commitment.
It is important
that you follow
your physician’s
instructions.
Your doctor has proposed surgery
to relieve your pinched nerve using the
METRx™
System, a minimally invasive
surgical treatment option. In an effort to
help you make an informed decision about
the treatment of your pain and related
problems, this brochure will explain basic
spinal anatomy and the METRx™
System
treatment option.
MRI image of
ruptured disc
Physical examination using a
straight leg raising test
Detail of ruptured disc