LAUSR

Herniated disc syndrome in the lumbar spine is the consequence of the conflict between a spinal root or cauda equina and a fragment of nucleus pulposus migrated through the annulus fibrosus. Patients usually complain of pain or paraesthesia travelling down to the lower extremity in the corresponding dermatome. In the majority of cases symptoms and radiographic signs regress with conservative measures [1]. However, many patients experience persistent symptoms or severe rapid pain progression with sensitive and motor deficits due to the rapid compression of one or more spinal roots. Lumbar discectomy is usually indicated after 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment if pain remains intractable or in case of severe sensitive or motor deficits [2, 3].