Open discectomy as treatment for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine.

Errico, T J; Fardon, D F; Lowell, T D · Spine (Phila Pa 1976) · 1995

review · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Open discectomy is the "gold standard" for operative intervention in patients with herniated lumbar discs whose conservative treatment has failed. Over 60 years the indications for surgery and the expected success rates have been clearly elucidated. The specific patient selection and determination of surgical procedures continues to evolve. Recurrent herniations occur at a low rate, and serious complications are rare.

Medical subject headings

Anatomy