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Open lumbar discectomy outcomes worsen over time, correlate with radiological degeneration
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Outcomes after open lumbar discectomy deteriorate over time, and the worsening appeared to be correlated with radiological findings of degeneration at the operated segment, according to researchers.
A recently published retrospective study included 79 patients who underwent open lumbar discectomy (OLD) and were followed-up for 10 years or longer. All patients’ clinical outcomes were assessed using self-reported scores on VAS measuring back and leg pain, as well as by using Oswestry Disability Index scores. Additionally, to assess instability or changes at the operated segment, 10 radiological parameters that indicated degeneration or instability at the operated segment were recorded at various time points and used to calculate a numeric radiological finding (NRF) score.
OLD was shown to decrease pain and disability scores in all groups. Radiological findings were the highest in patients followed for more than 25 years, with a significant correlation detected between NRF and VAS scores of back pain (P = .039), according to the researchers.
The researchers also noted that although degeneration of the spine increased over time, some stability was observed; however, clinical outcomes were observed to deteriorate over time. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosures: The study was partly supported by the AOSpine Foundation.
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