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risks of surgery for lumbar herniated disc

in a group of 100 people who had surgery for a lumbar herniated disc, less than 1 to 2 people had an infection or some other wound problem. about 1 to 3 people had nerve root injury or new or worsening nerve-related problems, such as weakness, numbness, or tingling. about 4 to 10 people went on to have another surgery for a herniated disc.

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 17, 2023

author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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