Thermal quantitative sensory testing in lumbar disc herniation

The most frequent clinical presentation of sciatica suggests injury of sensor root fibers alone. To evaluate whether thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) is applicable in the study of sensory dysfunction in lumbosacral disc herniations, 36 men and 30 women with L4/5 or L5/S1 disc herniations underwent thermal QST of the L4, L5, and Si dermatomes. For both levels of disc herniation, there was a significant difference for all temperature modalities, i.e., cold, warmth and heat pain, between all dermatomes as well as between the side of the herniated disc and the corresponding asymptomatic side. However, the proportion of herniated discs classified correctly was only 48% in patients with disc herniations at the L4/5 level, while it was 71% at the L5/S1 level. We conclude that thermal QST measurements reflect and document sensory dysfunction in patients with lumbosacral disc herniation. The method offers a new means both to study the time course of a spontaneous recovery of sensory dysfunction and to evaluate the result of different treatment options. However, thermal QST seems to have the same poor predictive value for identifying the anatomic location of a herniated lumbar disc as conventional electrophysiologic methods.     

Recovery of motor deficits after microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation

We have studied, prospectively, 116 patients with motor deficits associated with herniation of a lumbar disc who underwent microdiscectomy. They were studied during the first six months and at a mean of 6.4 years after surgery. Before operation, muscle weakness was mild (grade 4) in 67% of patients, severe (grade 3) in 21% and very severe (grade 2 or 1) in 12%. The muscle which most frequently had severe or very severe weakness was extensor hallucis longus, followed in order by triceps surae, extensor digitorum communis, tibialis anterior, and others. At the latest follow-up examination, 76% of patients had complete recovery of strength. Persistent weakness was found in 16% of patients who had had a mild preoperative deficit and in 39% of those with severe or very severe weakness. Muscle strength was graded 4 in all patients with persistent weakness, except for four with a very severe preoperative deficit affecting the L5 or S1 nerve root. They showed no significant recovery. Excluding this last group, the degree of recovery of motor function was inversely related to the preoperative severity and duration of muscle weakness. The patients' subjective functional capacity was not directly related to the degree of recovery except in those with persistent severe or very severe deficit.     

经皮椎间孔入路内镜下治疗腰椎融合术后邻椎腰椎间盘突出症

目的:探讨经皮椎间孔入路内镜下治疗腰椎融合术后邻椎腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法:对2010年2月至2018年6月收治的64例腰椎融合术后邻椎腰椎间盘突出症患者进行回顾性分析,分为观察组与对照组。观察组33例中男23例,女10例;年龄55~83(65.7±7.4)岁;单节段融合27例,双节段融合6例;运用经皮椎间孔入路内镜下手术治疗。对照组31例中男22例,女9例;年龄51~78(64.8±7.8)岁;单节段融合25例,双节段融合6例;运用开放融合翻修手术治疗。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、透视次数、术后下床活动时间和住院时间。采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analgue scale,VAS),Oswestry功能障碍指数 (Oswestry Disability Index,ODI)评估临床疗效。观察两组并发症发生情况。结果:64例患者均获得至少2年随访,观察组随访时间(2.4±0.5)年,对照组随访时间(2.6±0.7)年。观察组的手术时间、术中出血量、术后下床活动时间、住院时间较对照组明显减少(P<0.05),观察组的透视次数较对照组明显增加(P<0.05)。两组患者腰痛、下肢痛VAS和ODI在末次随访时和术前比较均有明显改善(P<0.05);观察组术后各时间点腰痛VAS,术后1、3个月ODI均较对照组有优势(P<0.05),而两组间下肢痛VAS比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组并发症发生率明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:与传统再次开放融合翻修术相比,经皮椎间孔入路内镜下微创手术治疗腰椎融合术后邻椎腰椎间盘突出症具有减少手术时间和术中出血量,缩短下床活动时间和住院时间,促进疼痛和功能改善的优点,且可降低并发症发生率。但其中远期的临床疗效有待进一步研究。     

Functional status of patients after lumbar disc herniation surgery

The aim of this study was to determine whether early rehabilitation from the first postoperative day after lumbar disc herniation surgery improved functional status of patients compared to the rehabilitation that started 3 weeks after surgery. Oswestry index was used for functional status assessment before surgery and after rehabilitation in 60 patients divided in 2 groups, i.e., early and control group of rehabilitation strated 3 weeks after surgery, 30 in each. Oswestry index values before surgery and after rehabilitation in the early rehabilitation group were 78.4 +/- 17 and 19.6 +/- 9.9, respectively (p < 0.0001) and in the control group the values were 79 +/- 13 and 37 +/- 14, respectively (p < 0.0001). The difference of Oswestry index before operation and after rehabilitation in the early rehabilitation group was 58.7 +/- 18.9, and in the control group 41.6 +/- 13.2 (p = 0.0001). Onset of rehabilitation from the first post operative day lead to better functional recovery compared to delayed rehabilitation 3 weeks after lumbar disc herniation surgery.     

High degree of kinesiophobia after lumbar disc herniation surgery

Background and purpose Several studies have investigated outcomes after disc surgery. However, the occurrence of kinesiophobia has not been investigated previously in patients after disc herniation surgery. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kinesiophobia in patients who had been treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation, and we related the results to established outcome measures.

Patients and methods 10–34 months after surgery, questionnaires were sent to 97 patients who had undergone standardized open discectomy. Outcome measures included Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK); Oswestry disability index (ODI); European quality of life in 5 dimensions (EQ-5D); visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction; Zung self-rating depression scale (ZDS); pain catastrophizing scale (PCS); and a self-efficacy scale (SES).

Results 36 of 80 patients reported having kinesiophobia. There were statistically significant differences in ODI, EQ-5D, VAS leg and back pain, ZDS, PCS, and SES between patients with and without kinesiophobia.

Interpretation Half of the patients suffered from kinesiophobia 10–34 months after surgery for disc herniation. These patients were more disabled, had more pain, more catastrophizing thoughts, more symptoms of depression, lower self-efficacy, and poorer health-related quality of life than patients without kinesiophobia.     

Fitness for work after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a retrospective study

This report retrospectively evaluates fitness for work in 3956 cases of surgery for lumbar disc herniation between 1992 and 1994. Patient records were derived from a database including all interventions of the insured population of the largest Belgian sickness fund. The datafile consisted of 126 cases of percutaneous nucleotomy (nucleotomy group), 286 cases of lumbar disc surgery with fusion (fusion group) and 3544 cases of standard lumbar disc surgery (standard group). Fitness to resume work within 12 months after intervention was obtained in about 70% of the patients in the standard and nucleotomy groups but in only 45% of the patients in the fusion group. Ten medicosocial factors were related to fitness for work as outcome measure. Incapacity for work more than 12 months after intervention was defined as a bad outcome. Logistic regression was used to test the combined relative significance of the different variables. For the standard group a long duration of work incapacity before intervention, older age, lower benefit, employment as a blue-collar worker, a long duration of hospital stay and unemployment were significantly associated with a poor outcome. Related factors for the fusion group were a long duration of work incapacity before operation, a long duration of hospital stay and unemployment. For the nucleotomy group, no factor was significantly associated with a poor outcome. For the total group, discectomy combined with fusion was significantly related to a poor outcome whereas a standard discectomy and a percutaneous nucleotomy did not differ in their impact on fitness for work. Received: 12 February 1997 Revised: 26 July 1997 Accepted: 23 August 1997     

腰椎间盘突出症融合术后邻近节段退变危险因素

[目的]观察分析腰椎间盘突出症后路椎间融合术后邻近节段退变的发生及其危险因素。[方法]回顾本院2012年收治的腰椎间盘突出症患者67例。34例融合,33例保守作为对照。入院、末次随访时评测MRI、X线片参数:近端椎间高度丢失、近端小关节退变。采用SPSS 19进行统计分析。[结果]平均随访(25±2.4)个月(18~28个月)。椎间高度组内对照差异均有统计学意义(P0.01),高度丢失组间对照差异有统计学意义(t=-6.969,P=0.000)。小关节退变的组内对照差异均有统计学意义(P0.05),末次随访时组间差异有统计学意义(P=0.001),入院时组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。前凸角异常是邻近节段退变的独立危险因素(P=0.043)。[结论]腰椎邻近节段退变是自然病程,融合加速该病程。前凸角异常是退变的重要因素,予适当矫正。     

不同年龄组男性腰椎间盘突出症术后勃起功能对比研究

目的:探讨不同年龄组腰椎间盘突出症手术治疗后男性勃起功能改善的治疗效果。方法:2010年9月至2011年9月脊柱外科收治需手术治疗的男性腰椎间盘突出症患者90例,分为<45岁、45～55岁、>55岁3个年龄组,从3组人群中每组随机抽取30例患者,术前及术后12个月随访时采用勃起功能国际问卷-5(IIEF-5)调查表进行问卷调查。结果:3组患者IIEF-5评分术前分别为(10.4±2.6)、(10.7±2.8)、(11.2±1.9)分,术后12个月随访时评分分别为(21.3±3.3)、(16.8±1.3)、(14.1±1.0)分,术后勃起功能均较术前改善(P<0.05);勃起功能改善参数3组之间比较,显示<45岁组改善程度更为明显[为(51.17±6.25)%],优于其他两组的(36.31±4.28)%和(22.71±5.68)%(P<0.05)。结论:腰椎间盘突出症男性患者勃起功能损伤是重要的手术评估要素之一,针对病因的减压手术治疗对青壮年男性患者勃起功能恢复意义重大。     

Clinical factors of importance for outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery: long-term follow-up

Factors as age, sex, smoking, duration of leg pain, working status, type/level of disc herniation and psychosocial factors have been demonstrated to be of importance for short-term results after lumbar discectomy. There are few studies with long-term follow-up. In this prospective study of lumbar disc herniation patients undergoing surgery, the result was evaluated at 2 and 5–10 (mean 7.3) years after surgery. Predictive factors for satisfaction with treatment and objective outcome were investigated. Out of the included 171 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy, 154 (90%) patients completed the 2-year follow-up and 140 (81%) completed the long-term follow-up. Baseline data and questionnaires about leg- and back pain intensity (VAS), duration of leg pain, disability (Oswestry Disability Index), depression (Zung Depression Scale), sick leave and employment status were obtained preoperatively, at 2-year- and long-term follow-up. Primary outcome included patient satisfaction with treatment (at both time points) and assessment of an independent observer at the 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes at 2-year follow-up were improvement of leg and back pain, working capacity and the need for analgesics or sleeping pills. In about 70% of the patients excellent or good overall result was reported at both follow-ups, with subjective outcome measurements. The objective evaluation after 2 years was in agreement with this result. Time on sick leave was found to be a clinically important predictor of the primary outcomes, with a potential of changing the probability of a satisfactory outcome (both objective and subjective) from around 50% (sick leave >3 months) to 80% (sick leave <2 months). Time on sick leave was also an important predictor for several of the secondary outcomes; e.g. working capacity and the need for analgesics.     

Exploration of the use of biomarkers to monitor recovery after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a prospective cohort study

Objective assessment of damage to intervertebral discs is complex. The response to damage is characterized by increased collagen metabolism, which can be monitored by the serum markers PICP for type I synthesis and CTx for type I collagen degradation. In a cohort of 67 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar disc herniation, PICP and CTx were measured and ratings were made of back pain, leg pain, and functional disability, before and after the operation. In the 6 weeks following surgery, concentrations of PICP increased, concentrations of CTx decreased, and the ratio between PICP and CTx increased. Back pain and functional disability improved, but the scores were not significantly associated with the marker concentrations. The changes in serum markers most likely reflect tissue healing. However, these markers are not yet ready for clinical use.     

经椎间孔入路经皮内窥镜下椎间盘切除术治疗相邻节段退变型腰椎椎间盘突出症

目的探讨经椎间孔入路经皮内窥镜下椎间盘切除术(PETD)治疗经椎间孔腰椎椎间融合术(TLIF)术后相邻节段退变(ASD)型腰椎椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2012年12月—2014年12月同济大学附属第十人民医院脊柱外科行PETD治疗的28例TLIF术后相邻节段腰椎椎间盘突出患者的临床资料,记录手术时间,术中出血量,住院天数,术前、术后3个月、术后12个月及末次随访时腰部、下肢疼痛视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分及Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI),末次随访时采用Mac Nab标准评价临床疗效。结果所有手术均顺利完成,手术时间为(74.0±8.8)min,手术出血量为(32.6±6.8)m L,住院天数为(2.68±1.06)d,随访时间为(25.1±3.4)个月。术后3个月、术后12个月、末次随访时腰痛和下肢痛VAS评分及ODI与术前相比均有改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。根据Mac Nab标准,末次随访时患者临床疗效优良率为89.3%。结论 PETD治疗TLIF术后ASD型腰椎椎间盘突出症能够取得较为满意的疗效。     

Return to work after lumbar disc herniation surgery: an occupational cohort study

Background and purpose — Lumbar disc herniation is a common surgically treated condition in the working-age population. We assessed health-related risk factors for return to work (RTW) after excision of lumbar disc herniation. Previous studies on the subject have had partly contradictory findings.Patients and methods — RTW of 389 (n = 111 male, n = 278 female; mean age 46 years, SD 8.9) employees who underwent excision of lumbar disc herniation was assessed based on the Finnish Public Sector Study (FPS). Baseline information on occupation, preceding health, and health-risk behaviors was derived from linkage to national health registers and FPS surveys before the operation. The likelihood of RTW was analyzed using Cox proportional hazard univariable and multivariable modelling.Results — 95% of the patients had returned to work at 12 months after surgery, after on average 78 days of sickness absence. Faster RTW in the univariable Cox model was associated with a small number of sick leave days (< 30 days) before operation (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6); high occupational position (HR 1.6, CI 1.2–2.1); and age under 40 years (HR 1.5, CI 1.1–1.9). RTW was not associated with sex or the health-related risk factors obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, poor self-rated health, psychological distress, comorbid conditions, or purchases of pain or antidepressant medications in either the univariable or multivariable model.Interpretation — Almost all employees returned to work after excision of lumbar disc herniation. Older age, manual job, and prolonged sick leave before the excision of lumbar disc herniation were risk factors for delayed return to work after the surgery.

Return to work (RTW) is an important outcome of lumbar disc herniation surgery, and a key metric for its effectiveness, as it has profound implications for both individual patients and the economy at large. An early RTW is associated with beneficial effects on patients’ physical and mental health and social and economic benefits (Liang et al. 1986, Koenig et al. 2016, Khan et al. 2019).Favorable outcome of disc herniation surgery when compared with nonoperative treatment was already presented in the 1980s (Weber 1983). This finding has also been recently confirmed in an RCT setting (Bailey et al. 2020). The difference in outcomes between surgically and nonoperatively treated patients may diminish in longer follow-up (Österman et al. 2006). Long duration of leg pain and long preoperative sick leave increase the risk of not returning the work (Kotilainen et al. 1993, Nygaard et al. 2000, Khan et al. 2019). Furthermore, if a worker is on sick leave more than 6 months after the operation, the probability of not returning to work is as high as 50% (Frank et al. 1996). Therefore, the main indication for elective disc herniation surgery is fast relief of the symptoms to enable early RTW and prevent the development of permanent work disability. There are several suggested factors associated with prolonged sick leave such as postoperative leg pain, poor work motivation, and female sex (Graver et al. 1998, Puolakka et al. 2008, Huysmans et al. 2018, Khan et al. 2019). Identifying factors predicting RTW may help in patient selection and setting adequate goals for rehabilitation after the surgery. Previous studies on the subject have had partly contradictory findings.We therefore assessed health-related risk factors of RTW after lumbar disc herniation surgery, such as factors related to general health, health-risk behaviors, and socioeconomic status in a large cohort of public sector employees. This is a linkage study of national health registers and FPS surveys.     

不同脊柱内镜手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的疗效及并发症比较

目的:比较经皮内镜椎间孔入路腰椎间盘髓核摘除术(percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy,PETD)、经皮内镜椎板间入路腰椎间盘髓核摘除术(percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy,PEID)和单侧双通道内镜(unilateral biportal endoscopic,UBE)技术在单节段腰椎间盘突出症(lumbar disc herniation,LDH)中的临床疗效及并发症发生率。方法:回顾性分析2019年10月至2021年8月采用脊柱内镜治疗的121例单节段LDH患者,根据治疗方法不同分为3组。PETD组48例,男19例,女29例;年龄18~72(44.0±13.9)岁;L_3,4节段3例,L_4,5节段27例,L₅S₁节段18例;PEID组43例,男23例,女20例;年龄20~69(40.1±12.1)岁;L_3,4节段1例,L_4,5节段15例,L₅S₁节段27例;UBE组30例,男12例,女,18例;年龄29~72(41.2±15.0)岁;L_3,4节段1例,L_4,5节段18例,L₅S₁节段11例。观察并比较3组手术时间、出血量、透视次数、并发症等情况。分别于术前、术后3个月及末次随访时采用疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale,VAS) 进行腰痛及下肢痛评估,采用Oswestry功能障碍指数(Oswestry disfunction index,ODI) 进行腰椎功能评价,并于末次随访时采用改良MacNab标准评价临床疗效。结果:所有患者完成脊柱内镜手术治疗,并经门诊及(或)电话进行至少12个月的随访。PETD、PEID组术中各发生1例硬膜囊破裂,硬膜囊破口小,术后均无明显不适。UBE组术中发生2例硬膜囊破裂;1例术后出现脑脊液漏,平卧位休息、补液等治疗后好转;1例术后无明显不适。(1)PETD组与PEID组手术时间、出血量及住院日比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),UBE组手术时间、出血量及住院日多于PETD及PEID组(P<0.05)。PEID组与UBE技术组透视次数比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),PETD组透视次数多于PEID组和UBE组(P<0.05)。(2)术后3个月UBE组腰痛VAS高于PETD和PEID组(P<0.05);而PETD组与PEID组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访3组腰痛VAS组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(3)3组术后各时间点下肢痛VAS及ODI较术前明显改善(P<0.05),组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),不同时间点-手术分组交互作用差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(4)末次随访时按照改良MacNab标准,PETD组优27例,良16例,中4例,差1例;PEID组优27例,良12例,中3例,差1例;UBE组优16例,良10例,中2例,差2例;3组比较,差异无统计学意义(χ²=0.308,P>0.05)。3组各发生1例LDH复发,2例经对症治疗后症状改善,1例于外院就诊治疗。结论:PETD、PEID及UBE技术治疗LDH均可取得良好的早期临床疗效,并发症率相似。PETD及PEID均为单通道微创手术,术中组织损伤轻,术后恢复快;但PETD术中透视次数相对较多,PEID更合适L₅S₁节段;UBE为双通道手术,术中软组织损伤较重,但显露宽泛,更合适复杂病例。     

Early neuromuscular customized training after surgery for lumbar disc herniation: a prospective controlled study

A prospective and controlled study of training after surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The objective was to determine the effect of early neuromuscular customized training after LDH surgery. No consensus exists on the type and timing of physical rehabilitation after LDH surgery. Patients aged 15–50 years, disc prolapse at L4–L5 or L5–S1. Before surgery, at 6 weeks, 4, and 12 months postoperatively, the following evaluations were performed: low back pain and leg pain estimated on a visual analog scale, disability according to the Roland–Morris questionnaire (RMQ) and disability rating index (DRI). Clinical examination, including the SLR test, was performed using a single blind method. Consumption of analgesics was registered. Twenty-five patients started neuromuscular customized training 2 weeks after surgery (early training group=ETG). Thirty-one patients formed a control group (CG) and started traditional training after 6 weeks. There was no significant difference in pain and disability between the two training groups before surgery. Median preoperative leg pain was 63 mm in ETG and 70 mm in the CG. Preoperative median disability according to RMQ was 14 in the ETG and 14.5 in the CG. Disability according to DRI (33/56 patients) was 5.3 in the ETG vs. 4.6 in the CG. At 6 weeks, 4 months, and 12 months, pain was significantly reduced in both groups, to the same extent. Disability scores were lower in the ETG at all follow-ups, and after 12 months, the difference was significant (RMQ P=.034, DRI P=.015). The results of the present study show early neuromuscular customized training to have a superior effect on disability, with a significant difference compared to traditional training at a follow-up 12 months after surgery. No adverse effects of the early training were seen. A prospective, randomized study with a larger patient sample is warranted to ultimately demonstrate that early training as described is beneficial for patients undergoing LDH surgery.     

腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘退变程度的MRI分析

目的:分析腰椎间盘突出症患者突出椎间盘及相邻椎间盘的术前MRI表现,评估其退变程度。方法:回顾性分析2014年6月~2015年12月在宁夏医科大学总医院脊柱骨科已行手术治疗的的单节段腰椎间盘突出症患者100例,其中男56例,女44例,年龄23~79岁(51.68±5.60岁),将所有患者以10年为一年龄段进行分组。突出椎间盘发生在L4/5节段50个,其相邻椎间盘100个;L5/S1节段50个,其相邻椎间盘50个。观察术前腰椎MRI,椎间盘采用Pfirrmann分级标准进行评估;软骨终板形态以Pappou分级标准进行评估。年龄段间的比较采用单因素方差分析,相邻椎间盘与退变椎间盘间的相关性采用Pearson相关分析,相邻椎间盘间的比较采用t检验。结果:各年龄段L4/5、L5/S1突出椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级均在Ⅲ级以上、Pappou分级均在Ⅱ级以上,各年龄段间椎间盘退变结果有统计学差异(P0.05);而各年龄段间软骨终板退变结果无统计学差异(P0.05)。各年龄段间突出椎间盘发生在L4/5、L5/S1的上位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有统计学差异(P0.05),下位相邻椎间盘Pfirrmann分级各年龄段无统计学差异(P0.05),相邻椎间盘软骨终板退变结果各年龄段间无统计学差异(P0.05)。相邻的L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.696,P=0.000),相邻L5/S1椎间盘Pfirrmann分级与突出L4/5椎间盘Pfirrmann分级间无相关性(r=0.214,P=0.136);相邻的L3/4、L5/S1椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出的L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级均有相关性(r=0.467,P=0.001;r=0.380,P=0.007)。相邻L4/5椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的Pfirrmann分级有相关性(r=0.549,P=0.000);相邻L4/5椎间盘软骨终板形态Pappou分级与突出L5/S1椎间盘的软骨终板形态Pappou分级有相关性(r=0.684,P=0.001)。L4/5椎间盘突出的相邻L3/4椎间盘Pfirrmann分级和软骨终板形态Pappou分级评分分别为3.26±0.87分、1.54±0.50分,均高于相邻L5/S1椎间盘的2.96±0.59分、1.23±0.49分(P0.05)。结论:腰椎间盘突出症患者突出节段的相邻椎间盘及软骨终板的退变与年龄及突出椎间盘退变程度关系密切,且相邻上位椎间盘较下位椎间盘退变更明显。     

Factors predicting the result of surgery for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

The prospective study was undertaken to find out preoperative or perioperative factors predicting the results of the first surgery for lumbar disc herniation. The results were evaluated 1 and 6 months postoperatively using, in addition to the patient evaluation, indices for pain, activities of daily living (ADL), and working capacity. The best result was achieved if the patient was operated on before 2 months' duration of disabling sciatica. The operative finding graded as protrusion predicted poor result. The social and psychological factors influenced the outcome more than the findings in the preoperative physical examination or the grade of operative finding. It is recommended to add indices for pain and ADL and a psychological test to the preoperative examinations of patients with lumbar disc herniation.     

Technical features of endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation: 191 patients

BACKGROUND: We analyzed the contribution of endoscopic surgery for lumbar foraminal disc herniation in a series of 191 patients. METHODS: All the patients underwent a posterior paramedian endoscopic procedure performed by the same operator. This prospective study concerned 191 consecutive patients included between April 1999 and March 2002. Outcome was assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. Prolo's criteria were used. RESULTS: Of the 191 patients, 144 questionnaires (75%) were returned showing results were excellent in 130 (90%), good in 1 (0.7%) and poor in 13 (9%). The complications observed were: aseptic discitis (n=1); approach of two levels due to incorrect fluoroscopic guidance (n=2); dural tear (n=1); partial nerve root lesion (n=3); a second operation was necessary in 4 patients but only once at the same level and on the same side. Of the 80 patients who were working before the operation, 77 were able to return to work with an average delay of 3 weeks, 2 did not return to work and one worked only part time. CONCLUSIONS: These good results associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction demonstrate that endoscopic surgery is an effective technique for the foramen. Endoscopy allow complete exposure decompression of the nerve root all along the foraminal canal.