Outcome of laminotomy and discectomy in lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse

Background: Lumbar disc prolapse is one of the most common causes of low back and radicular pain. Discectomy is by far the most commonly done surgical procedure for treatment of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc (PIVD). Many techniques have been advocated for discectomy and all the techniques have their advantages and limitations. Methods: Forty-five patients with clinical symptoms and signs of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc having radiological correlation by MRI were subjected to disc excision by laminotomy method. Results: The assessment was done by Japanese Orthopaedics Association score during follow up. Twenty-eight patients (62%) had excellent outcome, sixteen patients (36%) had good outcome and only one patient had poor outcome. There was a significant change in JOA score pre-operative and post-operative period. Statistically value of Chi square test is 18.89, df = 6, P value = 0.004. There were only four complications reported (8.8%). Conclusion: The laminotomy and discectomy is an effective surgical option for treatment of lumbar disc prolapse having good to excellent functional outcome with low complication rate