Cervical disc herniation：PECD (Pecutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy)

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. The spine is essential to support the human body, protect the spinal cord which is a part of the central nervous system, and absorb the shock from various movements of the body. A complete evaluation of the condition of your spine allows you to decide which medical treatment or surgical procedure will be the most beneficial. If you plan to take the minimally invasive spine surgery which requires only a one or two night stay, it is recommended that you have a complete spinal evaluation to obtain the most recent detailed information.

You should schedule an examination if you:

• Want a detailed diagnosis of the condition of your spine and spinal cord.
• Suffer from a spinal illness and are exploring options for treatment.
• Need a second opinion on a surgical decision.
• Decided on the minimally invasive spine surgery for a percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).

Diagnostic Test	Explanation
MRI (1.5-Tesla) Magnetic Resonance Imaging	Used to evaluate the condition of the soft tissue, including the discs, spinal cord and nerves.
CT (64 multi) Computed Tomography	The condition of the vertebrae and facet joints are examined by cross-sectional and three-dimensional (3D) images. A closer examination for osteophytes (bone spurs), slippage and calcification of the disc is performed.
X-ray	Spinal instability, alignment, and bone density are examined.

MRI

CT

X-ray

Depending on your symptom, further diagnostic tests may be required to determine the accurate location of surgery and the best surgical approach to be used.

Diagnostic Test	Explanation
Selective radiculography	Detects which nerve root appears to be truly damaged. A contrast and diagnostic local anesthetic is injected around the nerve root.
Discography	Used to identify lateral herniation which is located in a less common area. A CT scan is taken after the contrast is injected into the disc.

Selective radiculography

Discography