Sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation Musculoskeletal Diseases Other intervertebral disc disorders
Conditions
Interventions
1. Transmuscular surgical approach versus classic paramedian approach to the disc herniation at surgery
2. Early postoperative physiotherapy, starting two weeks postoperatively, and consisting of an i
Sponsors
University Hospitals Leuven (The Netherlands)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. One level disc herniation, either L4-L5 or L5-S1, explaining symptoms and representing operative indication. Purely median disc herniations are excluded. 2. Age: 18 - 60 years, either sex 3. Living within 30 km perimeter of the hospital 4. Informed consent signed
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Emergency operation required 2. Litigation, worker's compensation 3. Clinical suspicion of depression or fibromyalgia (the suffering is not exlusively explained by the disc herniation) 4. Previous lumbar surgery, irrespective of the level 5. Significant neurological deficit (weakness worse than 4/5) 6. Systemic disease significantly affecting patient's functioning (American Society of Anaesthesiologists [ASA] grade greater than 3) 7. Median disc herniation 8. Patient unable to communicate in the Dutch language
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Muscle control (assessed by postural balance test and sit-to-stand test), assessed in the lab at two weeks, eight weeks and six months post-operatively. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Comfort: 1. Back pain 2. Sciatica 3. Functional status 4. Return to work Secondary outcome measures are assessed by standardised patient questionnaires preoperatively and at two weeks, eight weeks, six months and one year postoperatively. | — |
Countries
Belgium
Outcome results
None listed