Tiger Woods surgery: What is lumbar microdecompression and how much does the operation that will keep him out for several months cost?

It was his sixth lower back operation in the past decade

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods underwent yet another surgery, marking his sixth lower back operation in the past decade. This latest procedure, known as a microdiscectomy, was aimed at alleviating nerve pain and back spasms that have hampered Woods throughout the 2024 season.

His recovery is expected to take around 8-12 weeks, meaning fans will have to wait before seeing him back in action.

How much does this surgery cost?

Woods announced the surgery via his X account, where he shared that the operation was successfully performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The surgery, estimated to cost between $15,000 and $50,000, comes after Woods has only managed to play in five tournaments this year, including the four major championships and his Genesis Invitational. He had mentioned his struggles with back spasms earlier in the season, attributing them to the stress on his previously fused back.

His other surgeries

This is not the first time Woods has faced such setbacks. Over the years, he has undergone multiple surgeries to address his back issues, starting with a microdiscectomy in 2014, followed by two more in 2015, a spinal fusion in 2017, and another microdiscectomy in 2020. His 2021 car accident, which caused severe leg and ankle injuries, added even more hurdles to his recovery journey.

Woods has always displayed incredible resilience, most notably during his iconic 2002 season, where he secured five tournament wins, including victories at the Masters and U.S. Open.

Shortly after, he underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his knee and drain fluid around a ligament. Just weeks later, he returned to win the Buick Invitational in 2003, demonstrating his unmatched focus and perseverance.

Despite continuous health challenges, Woods maintained his dominance in golf, holding the title of world’s number-one player in 2003 while competing in 18 PGA Tour events.