ELD is typically recommended for patients with a herniated disc that is causing lower back pain and leg pain. The herniated disc can put pressure on the nerves in the spine, causing pain and discomfort.
As with any operation there is a risk of infection, or of bleeding, which would lead to bruising in the muscles. There is a risk of nerve root damage, which could lead to permanent pain in the leg, as well as weakness and/or numbness – this is rare. There is a late risk of the disc bulging again, if another piece starts to herniated out – this is reduced by the physiotherapy post-operatively.