Microdecompression, or microdiscectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure where a small amount of herniated disc material or bone is surgically removed from the spinal column to alleviate nerve compression. Rather than removing an entire intervertebral disc and installing implants and bone grafts, this technique requires only a small incision and minimal recovery.

This procedure is particularly effective in the lumbar spine as a way of alleviating painful sciatica and other types of radiculopathy. Microdecompression is also favored because it requires little recovery and the procedure is completed quickly — often on an outpatient basis.