Corticosteroids peroperatively diminishes damage to the C-fibers in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.

Study Design: A subgroup analysis of patient outcomes from a double-blind randomized controlled study comparing corticosteroid versus saline in microscopic lumbar disc surgery.

Objectives: To study if the use of corticosteroids combined with surgery alleviates the damage to the nerve fibers in lumbar disc herniation.

Summary Of Background Data: The use of quantitative sensory testing can detect damage to the myelinated A-delta fibers (cold sense) and the unmyelinated C-fibers (warmth sense). Corticosteroids combined with surgery in lumbar disc surgery enhance the outcome after surgery in terms of less pain and more rapid rehabilitation.

Methods: Analyzing quantitative sensory testing before surgery and after 2 weeks and 2 years.

Results: In the corticosteroid group, we saw a statistically significant normalization for the warmth disturbance comparing with control group, which not was detected concerning the cold disturbance.

Conclusions: The use of corticosteroids combined with surgery seems to protect some of the damage to the C-fibers in lumbar disc herniation.