EXCISION OF LUMBER DISC THROUGH FENESTRATION A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO ANALYSE FUNCTIONAL RESULTS

Background: Fenestration provided better results in comparison to laminectomy procedure, and at the same time preserved the spinal stability and provided the early mobility & early return to previous job. Present study is conducted to analyse the results of lumbar disc prolapse operated by fenestration. MATERIAL AND Methods: It is a prospective study of 25 cases of prolapsed lumber inter vertebral disc. The cases of low backache and sciatica were identified by defined criteria and treated surgically for disc prolapse. Patients with clinical signs and symptoms of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc having radiological correlation by MRI study were subjected to disc excision by interlaminar fenestration method. Results: Results of operation in our series were excellent (13), good (11), fair (1). None of our patients became worse after surgery. Average follow up period was 19.1 months. Postoperatively the mean±SD score of pain on the VAS came out to be 2.96±1.02 which is found to be statistically significant (p <0.005) when compared with preoperative pain. Conclusion: Interlaminar fenestration and open disc excision under direct vision offers sufficient adequate exposure for lumbar disc excision with a smaller incision, lesser morbidity and shorter convalescence. Patient returned to their usual activities in lesser time.