Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether the pro-lapsed disc fragment type was predictive of recurrent disc herniation or sciatica after discectomy. The records of 39 patients treated by lumbar discectomy only were reviewed. Within two months of surgery, the type of disc fragment prolapse and state of the annulus were assessed on CT scans or MRI. Patients who presented later with recurrent sciatica or disc prolapse were reviewed with MRI. All other patients were contacted and asked whether they had had recurrent sciatica or had undergone repeat surgery elsewhere. The follow-up period was three years.
The results suggest that patients in whom discs required annulotomy at surgery had poorer results than those with extrusion through an annular fissure. The degree of annular competence can be used to assess the risk of recurrence of herniation or sciatica.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
