Our Summary
This study looked at whether using a frozen amniotic tissue graft (a piece of tissue from a human placenta) during a type of back surgery called a lumbar microdiscectomy could help patients recover better. The researchers tested this approach on 80 people who were having this surgery because of a herniated disc in their lower back, a common cause of back and leg pain.
Half of the patients received the amniotic tissue graft during surgery, and half didn’t. The graft was put into the space where the herniated disc had been. After the surgery, the researchers checked how well everyone did for up to two years. They measured things like pain levels, how well people could move around and do daily activities, and whether the disc problem came back.
People who got the tissue graft generally did better than those who didn’t. They had less disability and better physical function at 6 weeks and 24 months after surgery. Also, none of those who got the graft had their disc problem come back at the same spot, whereas 3 people who didn’t get the graft did have a recurrence, and two of them needed another surgery to manage ongoing pain.
In summary, this study suggests that using a frozen amniotic tissue graft during lumbar microdiscectomy surgery may lead to better outcomes for patients in terms of recovery and preventing the disc problem from returning.
FAQs
- What is a frozen amniotic tissue graft and how is it used in a lumbar microdiscectomy surgery?
- How did the use of an amniotic tissue graft during surgery affect patients’ recovery and recurrence of the disc problem?
- What were the differences in outcomes between patients who received the graft and those who didn’t during the lumbar microdiscectomy surgery?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about microdiscectomy is that using a frozen amniotic tissue graft during the surgery could potentially lead to better outcomes in terms of recovery and preventing the disc problem from returning. This approach may help improve pain levels, physical function, and overall disability following the procedure. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor to determine if this option is right for you.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for microdiscectomy surgery are those with a herniated disc in their lower back that is causing significant back and leg pain. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medication without success, and surgery may be recommended if their symptoms are not improving or are getting worse. This study suggests that using a frozen amniotic tissue graft during microdiscectomy surgery may be beneficial for these patients in terms of improving recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence of the disc problem.
Timeline
Before microdiscectomy: Patient experiences back and leg pain due to a herniated disc in their lower back. They may have tried conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication before deciding to undergo surgery.
During microdiscectomy: The surgeon removes the part of the herniated disc that is pressing on the nerve, relieving the pain and symptoms.
After microdiscectomy: Patients may experience some pain and discomfort in the days following surgery as they recover. Physical therapy and gentle exercises are usually recommended to help strengthen the muscles in the back and prevent future issues.
6 weeks post-surgery: Patients who received a frozen amniotic tissue graft during surgery may have less disability and better physical function compared to those who did not receive the graft.
24 months post-surgery: Patients who received the tissue graft continue to have better outcomes, with none experiencing a recurrence of the disc problem at the same spot. In contrast, some patients who did not receive the graft experienced a recurrence and needed additional surgery.
Overall, the use of a frozen amniotic tissue graft during lumbar microdiscectomy surgery appears to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of the disc problem returning in the future.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- How does a frozen amniotic tissue graft work during a microdiscectomy surgery?
- What are the potential benefits of using a tissue graft during surgery compared to not using one?
- Are there any potential risks or complications associated with using a tissue graft during microdiscectomy surgery?
- How long does it typically take to recover from a microdiscectomy surgery with a tissue graft?
- Will I need any additional follow-up procedures or treatments if I choose to have a tissue graft during surgery?
- How likely is it that my disc problem will come back after surgery if I choose not to have a tissue graft?
- Are there any specific factors that would make me a good candidate for a tissue graft during microdiscectomy surgery?
- How does the cost of using a tissue graft during surgery compare to not using one?
- Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides using a tissue graft during microdiscectomy surgery?
- What is the success rate of using a tissue graft during microdiscectomy surgery in terms of long-term outcomes and preventing recurrence of the disc problem?
Reference
Authors: Anderson DG, Popov V, Raines AL, O’Connell J. Journal: Clin Spine Surg. 2017 Nov;30(9):413-418. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000000544. PMID: 28557902