Microsurgical management of the lumbar intervertebral disc-disease.

One hundred consecutive patients operated on for sciatica pain using microsurgical techniques between April 1984 and February 1985 were evaluated retrospectively. This paper gives preoperative clinical data, end-result of surgery, rate of complications and true recurrent herniations. On the basis of the results, both soon after operation and at later follow-up (between three and five years) we feel encouraged to continue using this mode of operation. Complete or significant pain relief was achieved in 92% of patients; 93% were able to return to their preoperative normal physical activities. The frequency of complications was low.