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Recovery · Orthopaedics · Spine

Microdiscectomy recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after microdiscectomy at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full Microdiscectomy guide

Length of stay
7–12 days
Fly-home clearance
Day 7–10
Back to desk work
Week 4
Full activity
Week 8–12

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0

    Microdiscectomy

    60–90 min, 2–3 cm incision. Discharge same day or next day.

  2. When
    Day 3–5

    Walk 30 min

    Daily walking. No lifting >5 kg.

  3. When
    Day 7–10

    Fly-home clearance

    Aisle seat, walk hourly.

  4. When
    Week 4

    Back to desk work

    Lifting up to 10 kg.

  5. When
    Week 8–12

    PT-led return to sport

    Running, gym, golf cleared.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • New bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina)
  • Worsening leg weakness
  • Wound drainage or fever

12-month tele-follow-up

  • Week 2, 6, 12 tele-checks

Aftercare on repatriation

Avoid heavy lifting and trunk twisting for 6 weeks. PT 2–3×/week from week 2.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after microdiscectomy?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Day 7–10. Aisle seat, walk hourly.
When can I return to work after microdiscectomy?
Week 4: Lifting up to 10 kg.
When can I resume full activity?
Week 8–12: Running, gym, golf cleared.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
New bladder or bowel dysfunction (cauda equina); Worsening leg weakness; Wound drainage or fever. Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

Plan your microdiscectomy pathway

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