Lumbar disk hernia (LDH) is a typical desease which causes low back pain (LBP). We analysed LBP in 45 operated cases with L4/5 LDH except for cases of relapse, spondylolysis, and pondylolisthesis between March 1999 and March 2001. 29 patients were treated by microscopic Love operation, 12 patients by laminoplasty and microscopic herniotomy, 4 patients by posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). 31 patients (68.9%) had LBP as a primary symptom of LDH, and only 3 patients (6.7%) continued to complain of LBP until preoperation. LBP with LDH changed to lower extremity pain. Patients who continue to complain of LBP should undergo fusion if LBP is caused by discography.
