Background: Lumbar disc herniations are most common at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels and this is the most prevalent condition among manual laborers. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical presentation, age and sex distribution, perioperative duration and immabulazation.

Methods: This is a retrospective study, which includes 250 patients operated for lumbar disc herniations at L4/5 and L5/S1 levels. A detailed history of presenting complaints, clinical examination and corresponding findings on imaging were correlated. In all these patients, there was severe symptomatology with failed conservative management, which necessitated classical open lumbar laminectomy and discectomy.

Results: The overall success rate was 96% in our series. Postoperatively, 9.2% of patients experienced localized low back pain, which was mild to moderate and being treated with NSAIDs and exercises.

Conclusions: In addition to removal of herniated disc, other compressing elements like hypertrophied Ligamentum flavum, facet arthropathy and narrowed spinal canal diameter were also addressed with an open procedure. To prevent later complications, these patients are supposed to avoid strenuous work, lifting weights, torsion and jerky movements, faulty posture at work and rest, gait training, crouching, sitting on the floor and haunches.

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Dr Seraj Al-Zentani

Faculty of Medicine, University of Benghazi