Fragmentectomy versus Conventional Microdiscectomy in Single-Level Lumbar Disc Herniations : Comparison of Clinical Results and Recurrence Rates.
- Author:
Geum Seong BAEK
1
;
Yeon Seong KIM
;
Min Cheol LEE
;
Jae Wook SONG
;
Sang Kyu KIM
;
In Hwan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Gwangju Saewoori Spine Hospital, Gwangju, Korea. yokoinim@daum.net
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Fragmentectomy;
Microdiscectomy;
Lumbar disc herniation;
Clinical results;
Recurrence rates
- MeSH:
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Intervertebral Disc;
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy;
Recurrence;
Retrospective Studies
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2012;52(3):210-214
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to compare clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief and recurrence rate between fragmentectomies and conventional microdiscectomies in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: Between January 2008 and May 2011, a total of 175 patients met the inclusion criteria of this study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of back and radicular pains were recorded before surgery, 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. Recurrence was defined when a patient had the same pattern of preoperative symptoms and was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (42.3%) were suitable for fragmentectomy, and 101 patients underwent conventional microdiscectomy. There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the fragmentectomy and conventional microdiscectomy groups 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. During the follow-up period, 3 patients (4.05%) in the fragmentectomy group and 7 patients (6.93%) in the conventional microdiscectomy group relapsed. CONCLUSION: If patients are selected according to well-defined criteria, fragmentectomy can be a good surgical option for LDH, in the physiological aspect of preserving healthy intervertebral disc materials.
