Keywords
Abstract
Purpose of the study. To conduct a comparative analysis of the results of the long-term period (3-
12 months) after microsurgical treatment of lumbar radiculopathy. Materials and methods. The
prospective study was based on the results of treatment of 120 patients with lumbar radiculopathy.
The main study group consisted of 60 patients (32 men, 28 women), the average age was 43.2
(from 22 to 65) years. The comparison group consisted of 60 patients (34 men and 26 women),
mean age 45.9 years. In the main group, the tubular technique was used, and in the comparison
group, the method of discectomy according to W.Caspar. Back pain scores on the VAS were
6.5±0.68 and 6.68±0.68 in the main and comparison groups, respectively (p=0.579). When
assessing pain in the leg, the values were 7.3±0.7 and 7.4±0.64 points ( p >0.05). The initial
Oswestry disability index in the comparison group was 64.3±5.7%, and in the main group
63.6±5.1. Results. Relapses were noted in 6 (10%) patients in the comparison group and 4 (6.68%)
in the main group. In patients with relapses of the disease, the average duration of repeated
diagnosis and inpatient treatment was 5.5±1.0 days in the main group and 8.2±1.5 days in the
comparison group. 4 (6.7%) patients from the comparison group and 1 (1.7%) from the main group
were classified as unsatisfactory outcomes. The criteria for a satisfactory result were met in the
comparison group by 8 (13.3%) patients who had a relapse in the early postoperative period with
subsequent correction and short-term re-treatment. In the main group, satisfactory results were
obtained in 3 (5.0%) patients. In all other cases, during the study period, excellent (43.3% and 60%
in the comparison group and the main group, respectively) and good (36.7% and 33.3% in the
comparison group and the main group, respectively) results were obtained (χ 2= 4.802; p=0.032).
Conclusion. The tubular technique of microsurgical treatment of lumbar radiculopathy is
characterized by a better recovery of the functional status of the patient, a decrease in the frequency
of relapses and reoperations, and an increase in the proportion of excellent and good results.