[Lumbar disk prolapse surgery with or without free fat transplantation. A prospective triple-blind randomized study].

The aim of this prospective triple-blind randomized study was to determine if a free fat transplant used in operation in lumbar disc herniation could reduce the degree of intraspinal scar tissue and to evaluate whether the scar tissue could lead to symptoms. Ninety-nine patients were subsequently examined after median 376 days. The clinical outcome was scored using the Low Back Pain Rating Scale.

Analysis of preoperative prognostic factors in first-time surgery for lumbar disc herniation, including Finneson's and modified Spengler's score systems.

In a retrospective study, 18 preoperative demographic and physical variables were evaluated for their preoperative prognostic value in 261 patients, following first-time lumbar disc surgery. Special reference was given to the Spengler and Finneson index-scores. "Low Back Pain Rating Scale" was used as the outcome assessment instrument.

Back pain, sciatica and disability following first-time conventional haemilaminectomy for lumbar disc herniation. Use of "Low Back Pain Rating Scale" as a postal questionnaire.

To determine the value of "Low Back Pain Rating Scale" as a postal questionnaire, a retrospective study was undertaken of patients who had undergone first-time lumbar disc surgery 14-72 months previously. Rate of response was 86% (261/304). From the results, it was concluded that 87% of the patients felt that a satisfactory surgical outcome was obtained; 67% had minor or major functional restrictions of their daily activities; 65% experienced significant low-back symptoms in the period prior to follow-up examination; and 57% experienced sciatica.