Three years experience with microsurgical technique in treatment of protruded lumbar disc.

The Authors report 120 cases of protruded lumbar disc operated on by microsurgical technique over the last 3 years. The operating technique is summarized and the indications for this type of surgery are discussed. Both immediate and long-term results are reported. Five patients were re-operated on because of recurrence in the same interspace. As the follow-up revealed there were favourable results, regarding especially the disappearance of pain and resumption of working activity. Microsurgical Lumbar Discectomy (MLD) represents an improvement and a valid alternative to standard technique: it enables to remove the disc with a very limited local damage which means a shorter period of convalescence and a better aesthetic result.