P.133 Minimally invasive MetrX microdiskectomy for lumbar disc herniation: review of long-term outcomes

Abstract

Background: Lumbar microdiskectomy is amongst the most common neurosurgical techniques. In Saskatoon, minimally invasive microdiskectomy using the MetrX tubular retractor system has become a routinely performed procedure. While the outcomes of microdiskectomy are known to be similar to open technique, long term outcomes have not been reported. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 160 minimally invasive microdiskectomies. We excluded subjects with cauda equina syndrome, redo surgery, fusions, and multi-level decompressions. We used one-way ANOVA to compare VAS, ODI, SF36, and EQ5D scores at pre-operative, 6-week postoperative, and long-term timepoints. Results: The mean pre-operative back pain VAS score was 6.23+/−2.63, 6-week post-operative follow-up VAS was 3.21+/−2.49, and long-term follow-up VAS was 2.56+/−2.45. The mean preoperative leg pain VAS score was 7.66+/−1.99, 6-week follow-up VAS was 3.56+/−2.79, final follow-up VAS was 2.20+/−2.57. The mean preoperative ODI score was 60.41+/−13.97; falling to 32.54+/−20.57 at 6-week follow up, and further to 24.50+/−20.97 at long term follow up. The mean baseline EQ5D quality of life score was 46.4+/−18.1, 68.9+/−20.2 at 6-week follow up and 69.3+/−20.3 at final review. Data reached statistical significance. Conclusions: We report good outcomes for minimally invasive microdiskectomy that are as durable as published results using open technique.