Chemonucleolysis. Predictive factors.

The aim of this study was to identify factors in the patient's history and parameters of the neurologic, roentgenographic, and electromyographic examinations as well as cerebrospinal fluid analysis before chemonucleolysis that might be used to predict the results of this treatment after 1 year. On the basis of a combination of three factors, that is, the presence or absence of a narrowed intervertebral space on the lumbosacral survey film, the localization of the disc herniation (medial, mediolateral or lateral) on the computerized tomographic scan and the number of cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, a satisfactory result could be predicted for 92% of the patients.