Like most surgeries, back surgery has some risks. Risks include:
Wound problems, including infection and hematoma (bad bruise): Less than 1 to 2 out of 100 people who had surgery had an infection or some other wound problem.
Nerve damage: About 1 to 3 out of 100 people who had surgery had nerve root injury or new or worsening nerve-related problems, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling.
Having symptoms that don't get better, or having new symptoms in the future: About 4 to 10 out of 100 people who had surgery went on to have another surgery for a herniated disc.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Shriver MF, et al. (2015). Lumbar microdiscectomy complication rates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosurgical Focus, 39(4): 1232–1241. DOI: 10.3171/2015.7.focus15281. Accessed October 15, 2015.