Our Summary

This study looked at social media posts about a specific type of spine surgery called microdiscectomy. They analyzed over 10,000 posts about this surgery on Instagram from 2019 to 2021 and found that most of the posts came from patients (about 73%) and the rest were from spine surgeons (about 24%). Most of the posts were from the United States (77%) and were positive in tone (about 79%). Most of these posts were made after the surgery (86%) and talked about the patients’ daily lives.

Very few posts (less than 2%) showed the surgical incision site. Almost all posts that mentioned patient satisfaction showed patients were happy with the results of the surgery. Posts made more than a week after the surgery were more than twice as likely to be positive.

The results suggest that spine surgeons could use social media to better understand patients’ experiences and possibly improve the way they provide care. It could also help shape how future patients view spine surgery.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of social media posts about microdiscectomy were made by patients versus surgeons?
  2. What was the general tone of the posts about microdiscectomy and when were they most likely to be positive?
  3. How can spine surgeons utilize social media posts to improve patient care?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for a certain period of time. This can help ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. It’s also important to gradually increase activity levels as advised by your healthcare provider to prevent re-injury. Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support the healing process and prevent future spine issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended microdiscectomy are those who have a herniated disc in their spine that is causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. This surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections have not provided relief. Candidates for microdiscectomy are usually in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient experiences back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms related to a herniated disc.
  2. Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options, including microdiscectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes preoperative testing and preparation for surgery.

After microdiscectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the microdiscectomy surgery to remove the herniated disc material pressing on the nerve.
  2. Patient experiences relief from symptoms post-surgery.
  3. Patient goes through a recovery period, including physical therapy and pain management.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved quality of life.
  5. Patient may share their experience on social media, expressing satisfaction with the surgery and outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of the surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of microdiscectomy for my specific condition?
  3. What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take to fully recover?
  4. How soon can I return to normal activities, such as work and exercise, after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before choosing microdiscectomy?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  7. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy procedures?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last, and are there any long-term risks to be aware of?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or information to help me better understand the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Roumeliotis AG, Swiatek PR, Goedderz C, Mathur P, Zhang Y, Gerlach EB, Divi SN, Hsu WK, Patel AA. Journal: Int J Spine Surg. 2023 Jun;17(3):434-441. doi: 10.14444/8450. Epub 2023 Apr 21. PMID: 37085321