Microsurgical Operation of Herniated Lumbar Disc, Using Modified Caspar's Method

Abstract

One hundred and ninety eight cases of herniated lumbar disc, operated from May 1985 to September 1991 at our hospital, were reported here.
We selected virgin, single level operated cases only. And all cases were estimated Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score at pre- and post-operation.
All cases underwent operations utilizing the operating microscope and microsurgical technique (modified Caspar's method). The operating time using this method averaged twenty nine minutes. Three recurrences were observed in postoperative periods of five years. There were thirty seven cases impairement of neurological symptoms; lumbago after work, lower leg numbness.
The advantages of performing the procedure under the operating microscope include improved vision and lighting, precise identification of structure in a deep intracanal field, and safe control of bleeing by coagulation.