- This is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve the compression on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine and fuse the degenerated disc. The smallest possible incisions (less than 2.5 cm) are made over the lower back. The surgery is done through a tube that protects the surrounding muscles, minimizing postoperative pain that leads to early postoperative recovery. After removing the compression on the nerves, the disc is removed and a device called a cage filled with bone graft is placed into the empty disc space. Then screws are placed through the small incisions to fix the two vertebral bones. Over time bone grows and fuses the two vertebrae together. Usually, patients stay in the hospital for about 3-4 days after this surgery and can resume usual activities in a few weeks.