Outcomes After Lumbar Microdiscectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Single-Center Experience: Original Article

Syed Nasir Shah; Rizwan Ali; Naeem ul Haq; Muhammad Ishaq

doi:10.64911/j6hbpm69

Authors

Syed Nasir Shah Registrar, Department of Neurosurgery Bacha Khan Medical College / Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Author
Rizwan Ali Registrar, Department of Neurosurgery Bacha Khan Medical College / Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Author
Naeem ul Haq Associate Professor of Neurosurgery Bacha Khan Medical College / Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Ishaq Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery Bacha Khan Medical College/Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64911/j6hbpm69

Keywords:

Lumbar microdiscectomy; Lumbar disc herniation; Functional outcomes; Oswestry Disability Index.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate functional outcomes after lumbar micro discectomy and identify factors associated with better recovery.

Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, Mardan, from January to June 2025. We included 100 patients with medical records who underwent lumbar micro discectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation from January 2023 to December 2024. We retrieved demographic, clinical, radiological, and operative information from the medical records. We assessed functional outcome using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery.

Results: 62 males and 38 females with a mean age of 44.8 ± 11.2 years. The L4–L5 level was the most frequently affected (54%), followed by L5–S1 (36%). Mean ODI significantly improved from 56.4 ± 12.7 preoperatively to 18.9 ± 9.3 postoperatively (p < 0.001), while mean VAS scores decreased from 8.2 ± 1.1 to 2.1 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001). 87% of patients achieved good-to-excellent functional recovery. Younger age (<50 years) (p = 0.028) and symptom duration <6 months (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with better outcomes. The overall complication rate was 6%, with no procedure-related mortality.

Conclusion: Lumbar micro discectomy is an effective and safe procedure with high pain relief and functional improvement for patients with lumbar disc herniation. Postoperative recovery was better in those who underwent early surgery and were younger.