FREMANTLE forward Matt Taberner has undergone back surgery to repair a disc issue, with no timeframe on his return.

The Dockers confirmed the 29-year-old had undergone a microdiscectomy, a procedure that removes part of a bulging intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on nerves in the spine, on Friday.

Taberner pulled up sore after Fremantle's round four match against Adelaide, and underwent scans which showed a "disc issue" at the time.

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Taberner and the Dockers discussed several options with doctors before deciding the surgery was the best course of action.

“It’s disappointing news for Matt, but he’s approaching the situation in a positive frame of mind,” Freo footy boss Peter Bell said.

“It’s difficult to put a timeframe on Taberner’s return to train and play as it varies from person to person.”

Carlton's Sam Walsh underwent a discectomy in late December last year, returning to AFL football in mid-April.