Asian Spine J.  2016 Oct;10(5):955-963. 10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.955.

Ten Important Tips in Treating a Patient with Lumbar Disc Herniation

• Omidi-Kashani F
• Hejrati H
• Ariamanesh S

• KMID: 2354824
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.955

Abstract

Lumbar disc herniation is a common spinal disorder that usually responds favorably to conservative treatment. In a small percentage of the patients, surgical decompression is necessary. Even though lumbar discectomy constitutes the most common and easiest spine surgery globally, adverse or even catastrophic events can occur. Appropriate patient selection and effective neural decompression constitute the most important points for better surgical outcomes and avoidance of unpleasant complications. Other important tips include timely performance of magnetic resonance imaging, correct interpretation of scan data, preoperative detection of underlying instability, exclusion of non-discogenic sciatica, determination of the main cause of clinical pathology, avoidance of the wrong side or level, and being sure that the more detailed procedure does not necessarily mean the more effective procedure.

Keyword

Lumbar vertebrae; Intervertebral disc disease; Surgical procedure; Outcome assessment

MeSH Terms

Decompression
Decompression, Surgical
Diskectomy
Humans
Lumbar Vertebrae
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Pathology, Clinical
Patient Selection
Sciatica
Spine