Functional Outcome of Lumbar Discectomy by Fenestration Technique in Lumbar Disc Prolapse - Return to Work and Relief of Pain.

Introduction: Low back pain affects every population and is one of world's foremost debilitating conditions. Clinically significant sciatica due to lumbar disc prolapse occurs in 4-6% of population. Fenestration discectomy as a surgical procedure is less time consuming, with lesser blood loss, lesser post-operative complications and does not compromise with stability of spine when compared to laminectomy.

Aim: Present study was conducted to determine extent of functional recovery i.e. pain relief and return to work in patients with lumbar disc prolapse treated by fenestration technique.

Materials And Methods: From October 2010 to March 2012, 50 patients with signs and symptoms of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc who failed to respond to conservative treatment were operated for discectomy by fenestration technique and studied prospectively. Functional outcome was evaluated by 'Back Pain Functional Score (BPFS)' of Strafford et al., PROLO rating scale to determine preoperative functional and economical status and outcome at final follow up after 6 months. In order to identify physical signs from non organic signs Wadell's score system was used. Result of surgery was evaluated with help of McNab's criteria.

Results: In our study, according to Back Pain Functional Scale by Strafford et al., and PROLO scale, good results were found in 42 (84%) cases, fair result in 8 cases (16%) and none with poor results at follow up of six months. According to PROLO economical and functional scale, 84% cases were able to join their previous occupation at end of six months and 76% cases had complete pain relief. In our study, correlation of age and duration of symptoms to functional outcome was statistically significant (p=0.089 & p = 0.098+ respectively) showing more good results among patients with age less than 30 years and patients having duration of symptoms less than 6 months.

Conclusion: Functional outcome of fenestration technique in terms of return to work and complete back and leg pain relief at end of six months had been satisfactory in our study. Moreover, old age, long duration of symptoms and presence multiple psychological issues are negative predictors of functional outcome.