A comparison of patients treated by chymopapain and laminectomy for low back pain using a multidimensional pain scale.

Seventy-seven patients treated by chymopapain and laminectomy were compared before, and 6 and 14 weeks after, treatment. A standardized, multidimensional scale of low back pain providing scores on 7 independent dimensions of sensory and affective discomfort and one measure of intensity were used. Fourteen weeks after surgery, patients treated by chymopapain were functioning as well as those treated by laminectomy. Major differences, however, characterized the course of recovery. Chymopapain produced rapid change, which was maintained over the 3 1/2-month period. Healing following laminectomy was slower, but the end results were essentially the same. These findings, using sophisticated measurement techniques, support previous research suggesting that chymopapain is an effective alternative to laminectomy in the treatment of lumbar disk disease.