OBJECTIVETo investigate the results of using the modified Jaslow technique to treat the recurent lumbar disc herniation.

METHODSFrom January 2002 to December 2008,62 patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation were treated with a modified Jaslow technique. There were 42 males and 20 females with an average age of 53.6 years old, ranging from 36 to 70 years. The primary surgical procedures were enlarged fenestration in 20 cases, unilateral semi-laminectomy in 20 cases, bilateral semi-laminectomy in 8 cases and total-laminectomy in 14 cases. The procedures were performed at L3.4 level in 2 cases, L4.5 in 32 cases, L5S1 in 15 cases, L3.4-L4.5 in 3 cases and L4.5-L5S1 in 10 cases respectively. The clinical symptoms included low back pain and radicular pain. Pre-and postoperative JOA score (including subjective symptoms, self-care ability and pain), ratio of disc height and the fusion condition of the involved segments were applied to assess clinical outcome.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 1 to 5 years (averaged 3 years). The space height ratio increased from (62.5 +/- 10.4)% to (90.5 +/- 10.3)%, fusion rate was 96.8% (60/62) at the last follow-up. Mean JOA score was (10.42 +/- 2.50) preoperative, improved to (24.26 +/- 2.35) at last follow-up (P < 0.001). The clinic results was excellent in 39 cases, good in 14, fair in 9.

CONCLUSIONThe modified Jaslow technique was a good alternative method for the treantment of recurent lumbar disc herniation with complete decompression, solid interbody fusion and satisfactory clinical result.