Laminectomy Vs Fenestration For Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc prolapse is a very common problem and this can be treated by laminectomy, fenestration, microendoscopic discectomy and or conservatively, Laminectomy or fenestration is the good spinal procedure being done successfully for prolapsed intervertebral disc disease. AIMS: We report the technique and outcome seen in 21 cases of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc who underwent laminectomy or fenestration for continued lumbar disc prolapse SETTING AND DESIGN: The study was carried out at the Department of Orthopaedics, R D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 21 patients with prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc who were seen and registered at the institution between May 2007 and February 2009 Data were collected. Laminectomy was done in 13 cases while fenestration was done in 8 cases Outcome assessment was done by the Revised Oswestry Disability Index. RESULTS: 21 cases (17 males, 4 females) underwent surgery, followed up from 2 to 20 months with an average of 11 months. Fifteen patients had an excellent outcome, 4 patients good outcome, 1 patient fair outcome and 1 patient poor outcome due to recurrence. Complications included dural puncture (1), superficial wound infection (1) and recurrence (1). CONCLUSIONS: Laminectomy & Fenestration with discectomy are safe and effective procedure for the treatment of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc. Fenestration was done on single level PIVD and Laminectomy for multilevel discs. The post operative rehabilitation is faster in fenestration as compared to Laminectomy. The hospital stay was lesser and the technique was easier also.