Functional outcome of discectomy (endoscopic vs open) for single level lumbar disc herniation

Mohammed Faisal; Vikas Atram; Himanshu Ganwir; Padmanabh Kukde; Harsh Jogi

doi:10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20262023

Authors

Mohammed Faisal Department of Orthopaedics, IGGMC and Mayo Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Vikas Atram Department of Orthopaedics, IGGMC and Mayo Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Himanshu Ganwir Department of Orthopaedics, IGGMC and Mayo Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Padmanabh Kukde Department of Orthopaedics, IGGMC and Mayo Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Harsh Jogi Department of Orthopaedics, IGGMC and Mayo Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20262023

Keywords:

Lumbar disc herniation, Open discectomy, Endoscopic discectomy, Functional outcome, VAS, ODI

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc herniation is a major cause of low back pain and radiculopathy in the working population. Open discectomy has been the gold standard surgical approach, but with advances in minimally invasive techniques, endoscopic discectomy is increasingly being adopted. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of endoscopic and open discectomy in patients with single level lumbar disc herniation.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted on patients with clinically and MRI-confirmed single level lumbar disc herniation refractory to conservative management. Patients were allocated to two groups: Group A underwent conventional open discectomy, and Group B underwent endoscopic discectomy. Outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Patients were followed at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed to compare intergroup differences.

Results: A total of 30 patients were enrolled, with no significant difference in baseline demographics. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in ODI scores at all follow-up points (p<0.05). Endoscopic discectomy resulted in shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, and earlier return to work compared with open discectomy. However, there was not much significant difference inn VAS scores (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Both open and endoscopic discectomy provide effective pain relief and functional improvement in single level lumbar disc herniation. Endoscopic discectomy, however, offers advantages of minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and reduced hospital stay, supporting its role as a favorable alternative to conventional open discectomy.

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