A CLINICO-OPERATIVE STUDY OF LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION

Abstract

Background: Herniation is a greater threat in younger individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 years, in whom the nucleusmaterial has good turgor, in contrast to older individuals in whom the nucleus is desiccated and fibrotic. Open discectomy is the gold standard for operative intervention in patients with herniated disc where conservative treatment has failed.

Aim of objective: To study the reliability of clinical signs in diagnosing lumbar disc herniation.

Material and Methods: This study was done collecting data of patients presenting to, JLNMCH, Bhagalpur. During this period there were 46 patients with a history of low back pain and at least one symptom suggesting root compression (Radiating pain, numbness,weakness or loss of sensation) who underwent surgery.

Conclusion: Commonest presentation is that of, long histories of back pain with superimposed syndrome of sciatica. Patients with predominant leg pain or only leg pain have high incidences of ruptured herniations.

Keywords: Herniation, Sciatica, Numbness, loss of sensation.