Complete Herniation Research Articles

Patient Selection for Lumbar Discectomy

A reproducible method is presented for selecting patients with low-back pain and sciatica for lumbar discectomy based on specific objective criteria in four categories: neurologic signs, sciatic tension signs, personality factors (MMPI scores), and lumbar myelography. Operative findings for 50 consecutive cases selected using this method revealed complete nucleus pulposus herniation in 43 cases. This contrasts with complete herniation in only 5 of 26 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy before the method was employed. This objective preoperative evaluation method reduced negative disc explorations and improved early surgical results. We recommend its use for patients being considered for elective lumbar discectomy.

Long Term Prognosis of Operated Lumbar Disk Herniation

We studied the long term results of lumbar disc herniation operated with Love's method and wide laminectomy.Data were reviewed on 167 patients operated in 1963-1973. On follow up at 1-10 years, 24% of patients were free from symptoms, and 57% were improved. Patients with herniation between L4 and L5 had worse results than L5 and S1.In patients with bulging discs, the incidence of residual symptoms was more frequent than complete herniation. Narrowing of disc spaces was increased in 75% of patients. But patients with narrow discs mostly had good results.