Intervertebral hernia

Disease description

An intervertebral hernia is a pathological condition in which a portion of the intervertebral disc protrudes or shifts beyond its anatomical boundaries. This displacement can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, sensory disturbances, and limited mobility.

Symptoms indicating the need for diagnosis and treatment:

• acute or chronic back pain radiating to the leg or arm, worsening with deep breathing, physical activity, coughing, or sneezing
• numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities
• reduced spinal mobility
• urinary dysfunction and erectile disorders (in severe cases)

Diagnostic and treatment methods

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an intervertebral hernia is primarily made using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provides detailed images of the spine and allows for assessment of the degree of disc protrusion and its impact on neural structures. In certain cases, computed tomography (CT) and electromyography (EMG) are used to evaluate nerve function.

Treatment

Treatment of intervertebral hernia usually begins with conservative methods, including pharmacotherapy (analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants), physical therapy, and therapeutic exercise. If conservative treatment fails to provide relief, surgical intervention is performed, such as microdiscectomy or endoscopic surgery, aimed at removing the herniated disc portion and relieving pressure on the nerve roots.

Innovations in global clinics

In advanced clinics, robot-assisted surgical systems such as the da Vinci robotic platform are now being used for the operative treatment of intervertebral hernias.

The da Vinci system enables surgeons to perform highly precise procedures through minimal incisions with reduced risk of complications. It provides a 3D view of the surgical field and allows for enhanced control of micro-instruments, which is especially critical when working with delicate spinal structures.