COMPARISON OF OPERATIVE RESULTS OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION IN MANUAL LABORERS AND ATHLETES

The results of various surgical treatments for lumbar disc herniation in laborers and athletes were compared on the basis of the relative su ccess of return to work and athletic activity. The rate of successful return to manual labor was the highest at 89% after spinal fusion, but no difference was observed between simple disc excision and percutane ous discectomy. Return to competitive sports was achieved at rate of 8 1% after percutaneous discectomy, and the time until return to sports activity was significantly shorter than after other procedures. In ind ividuals whose lumbar region is expected to be subjected to great mech anical stress, it is important to take work needs and the special need s of athletes into consideration when selecting the surgical procedure .