Early Versus Delayed Microdiscectomy for Chronic Sciatica Lasting 4-12 Months Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To compare the effect of delaying surgery on clinical outcome in patients with chronic sciatica secondary to lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Patients with sciatica lasting 4-12 months and lumbar disc herniation at the L4-L5 or L5-S1 level were randomized to undergo microdiscectomy (early surgery) or to receive 6 months of nonoperative treatment followed by surgery if needed (delayed surgery). Outcomes were leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index score (ODI), back pain, SF-36 physical component (PCS) and mental component (MCS) summary scores, employment, and satisfaction measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Of the 64 patients in the early surgery group, 56 underwent microdiscectomy an average of 3 ± 2 week

SUBMITTER: Bailey CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10556926 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature