LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION - LIMITED DISC REM OVAL WITH OR WITHOUT COMPLEMENTARY DISKECTOMY

The authors compare the limited removal of the ruptured disc to discec tomy for lumbar disc herniation. Analysis of results during a four yea rs period demonstrates a twice higher recurrence rate with limited rem oval than with discectomy and a more frequent residual low back pain, after limited removal of the rupted disc. These data made then limit t he indications of the simple ruptured disc removal technique, with the exception of some specific anatomical locations: the migrated disc si tuated anterior or posterior to the ligament, without an associated di scal bulging.