Lumbar Discectomy Review

Lumbar disc herniations are relatively common and often a source of leg pain, paresthesias, and/or weakness. Fortunately, the natural history of lumbar radiculopathy due to a disc herniation is favorable, and most patients (70–80%) improve with nonoperative care. Surgical intervention is indicated in patients who continue to have severe pain despite conservative treatment, and outcomes have been shown to be quite favorable in terms of alleviating leg pain and returning to function. There appears to be no difference in outcomes when comparing MIS or tubular discectomy versus open discectomy, and surgeons should offer the procedure that he/she is most comfortable and technically competent at performing in an effort to minimize complications.

Source: Operative Techniques in Orthopaedics - June 9, 2015 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Shah-Nawaz M. Dodwad, Shah-Jahan M. Dodwad, Jason W. Savage Source Type: research