Long-term outcome of lumbar disc surgery: an experience from Pakistan

Abstract

Object The author conducted a study to determine the long-term outcome of lumbar disc surgery on relief of sciatic leg pain. Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The author reviewed medical records of 68 patients who underwent lumbar disc surgery for sciatic pain during the period 1995–2004. All patients were physically examined and interviewed. Results Lumbar disc surgery yielded complete pain relief in 79.41% of the cases. In 14.7% of the cases surgery failed to give any pain relief, and in 5.88% it yielded partial pain relief. At up to 10 years postoperatively, 27.77% of patients remained absolutely pain free. Pain recurred in 12.82% of cases after 1 year, in 35.89% during the first 5 years, and in 51.28% after 10 years. Pain recurred in the same leg in 63.88%, in the contralateral leg in 19.44%, and in both legs in 16.66%. Neurological deficits did not improve in any case except in 1 case of foot drop. New neurological deficits developed postoperatively in 8.82% of cases in the form of foot drop and calf muscle weakness. Conclusions Surgery provided immediate pain relief in 79.41% of cases, but the long-term outcome of lumbar disc surgery was not satisfactory.