L1-2 Disc Herniations: Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Results.
- Author:
Sang Ho LEE
1
;
Seokmin CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Gimpo Airport Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Upper lumbar disc;
Herniation;
Buttock pain
- MeSH:
Buttocks;
Diagnosis;
Diskectomy;
Diskectomy, Percutaneous;
Femoral Nerve;
Humans;
Laminectomy;
Leg;
Retrospective Studies;
Thigh;
Walking
- From:Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
2005;38(3):196-201
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Among upper lumbar disc herniations, L1-2 disc herniations are especially rare. We present the specific clinical features of L1-2 disc herniation and compared results of different surgical options. METHODS: The authors undertook a retrospective single institution review of the patients who underwent surgery for L1-2 disc herniation. Thirty patients who underwent surgery for isolated L1-2 disc herniations were included. RESULTS: Buttock pain was more frequent than anterior or anterolateral thigh pain. Standing and/ or walking intolerance was more common than sitting intolerance. The straight leg raising test was positive only in 15 patients (50%). Iliopsoas weakness was more frequent than quadriceps weakness. Percutaneous discectomy group demonstrated worse outcome than laminectomy group or lateral retroperitoneal approach group. CONCLUSION: Standing and/or walking intolerance, positive femoral nerve stretch test, and iliopsoas weakness can be useful clues to the diagnosis of L1-2 disc herniation. Posterior approach using partial laminectomy and medial facetectomy or minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal approach seems like a better surgical option for L1-2 disc herniation than percutaneous endoscopic discectomy.
