OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short term effectiveness of lumbar disc herniation by Coflex.

METHODSFrom December 2007 to June 2008, 31 patients (16 males and 15 females) were treated by Coflex. The average age was 51.4 years (range, 33 - 70 years). The average period of follow-up was 10 months. To evaluate the short term effectiveness of lumbar disc herniation by Coflex by JOA, VAS, the conventional radiography and oswestry disability index (ODI).

RESULTSThe average JOA score increased from 9.1 +/- 1.1 preoperatively to 26.4 +/- 1.7 at 6 month postoperatively. ODI decreased from 24.7 +/- 4.8 preoperatively to averaged 4.5 +/- 1.1 at 6 months postoperatively. The VAS score decreased from 7.9 +/- 0.8 to 3.0 +/- 0.9. The clinical symptoms after operation were improved significantly. There were statistically significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative HD (height of dorso- intervertebral discs), DS(distance across the two adjacent spinous processes), DI (distance of intervertebral foramina). The average HD increased from (7.9 +/- 1.1) mm preoperatively to (10.8 +/- 1.3) mm after operation. The average DS increased from (28.3 +/- 2.4) mm preoperatively to (36.4 +/- 1.7) mm postoperatively. The average DI changed from (18.8 +/- 1.0) mm preoperatively to (21.6 +/- 1.7) mm postoperatively. Complications occurred in 3 patients (9.6%). One case complained of persistent low back pain. One case showed opposite lower limb pain in 3 weeks after operation, and was cured after appropriate treatment. One case had the loosening of Coflex in 6 months after surgery, but did not appear related clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSIONCoflex for lumbar disc herniation can increase the HD and DI significantly, and it has positive meaning for keeping height of lumbar vertebral space and treating the nerve root symptom of lumbar disc herniation.