Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new method of treating a specific type of lower back injury, called extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation. This condition, which accounts for 7-12% of all lower back disc injuries, still lacks a universally agreed upon best treatment method.

The authors of this paper propose a new technique using 2D and 3D imaging to guide a small-scale surgical procedure called a microdiscectomy. This study reviews the cases of 12 patients (7 men and 5 women, average age of 56) who underwent this procedure between February 2017 and July 2020.

The results were encouraging - there were no complications during or after the surgery. Patients’ pain levels, measured on a scale from 1-10, decreased from an average of about 8 before surgery to about 2 after. This pain reduction held up in follow-up checks at 1, 6, and 12 months after the procedure.

In conclusion, this paper presents a new, safe, and effective method for treating certain lower back injuries. This technique, which uses 2D and 3D imaging to guide the surgery, provides more detailed information during the operation than previous methods, which could help reduce complications and improve outcomes, especially in complex cases.

FAQs

  1. What is the new technique proposed for treating extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation?
  2. What were the results of the study on the new microdiscectomy technique?
  3. How does 2D and 3D imaging benefit the microdiscectomy procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about microdiscectomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including restrictions on activities like bending, lifting, and twisting. It is important to give the body time to heal properly in order to achieve the best outcome from the surgery. Additionally, attending physical therapy sessions as recommended by your healthcare provider can help strengthen the muscles in the back and prevent future injuries.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended microdiscectomy are those with extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation, a specific type of lower back injury. This condition accounts for a small percentage of all lower back disc injuries and can be challenging to treat with traditional methods. In this study, patients who underwent microdiscectomy experienced significant pain relief and improved outcomes, suggesting that this procedure may be a good option for those with this specific type of injury. Additionally, the use of 2D and 3D imaging to guide the surgery may help reduce complications and improve outcomes in complex cases.

Timeline

Before microdiscectomy:

  • Patient experiences lower back pain, leg pain, and/or numbness
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests (such as MRI or CT scan) to diagnose the extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation
  • Patient may try non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage symptoms

After microdiscectomy:

  • Patient undergoes the microdiscectomy surgical procedure
  • The surgery is guided by 2D and 3D imaging to target the specific area of the disc herniation
  • Patients experience a significant decrease in pain levels post-surgery
  • Follow-up checks at 1, 6, and 12 months show sustained pain relief and no complications from the surgery
  • Patients may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation to aid in recovery and prevent future injuries.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about microdiscectomy include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with microdiscectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after microdiscectomy and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Are there any alternative treatment options for my specific condition that I should consider before opting for microdiscectomy?
  4. How successful is microdiscectomy in treating extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation compared to other treatment methods?
  5. How experienced are you in performing microdiscectomy procedures and what is your success rate with this technique?
  6. Will I need to undergo any additional imaging tests before the procedure to ensure the accuracy of the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential side effects of the anesthesia?
  8. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery to aid in my recovery?
  9. What are the long-term outcomes of microdiscectomy for extraforaminal lumbar disc herniation and what are the chances of the condition recurring in the future?
  10. How soon after the surgery can I expect to return to my normal activities and work?

Reference

Authors: Nicoletti GF, Umana GE, Chaurasia B, Ponzo G, Giuffrida M, Vasta G, Tomasi SO, Graziano F, Cicero S, Scalia G. Journal: J Craniovertebr Junction Spine. 2020 Oct-Dec;11(4):316-320. doi: 10.4103/jcvjs.JCVJS_146_20. Epub 2020 Nov 26. PMID: 33824562