Lumbar surgery refers to any type of surgery in the lumbar spine or lower back. Lumbar surgery is often performed to treat compressed nerves in the lumbar spine caused due to spondylosis (a type of arthritis spur caused by wear and tear of the spine), herniated or slipped disc and spinal stenosis which is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, resulting in an increased pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. These spine conditions usually cause pain that are often described as sharp, numbness or tingling. Pain usually radiates from the back to the buttocks and the legs. Weakness of affected leg might be also present with inability to stand or walk for a long distance.

Microdecompression surgery of lumbar spine is usually performed through a small surgical incision by using microscope. The purpose is to access the affected part of spine in order to create more space within the spinal canal and remove the degenerative disc and bone spur. This procedure aims to alleviate the nerves from compressing pressure causing radiating leg pain and numbness. This procedure, however, may provide minimal benefits in patient with severe or chronic back pain due to unstable spine such as ‘spondylolisthesis’ or bone slip. In this group of patient, additional procedure of fusing the lumbar spine segment may also be needed to enhance the stability of the spine and at the same time to reduce back pain.