Intervertebral bone implants following excision of protruded lumbar discs

The authors describe a technique whereby a portion of the lamina removed during exposure of an intervertebral lumbar disc protrusion is implanted in the intervertebral disc space following disc excision. An analysis of 456 consecutive cases operated on by this technique and followed from 1 to 10 years is presented. Of the 418 patients followed, 92 per cent indicated they were able to return to their normal activities and were satisfied with the result. Thirty percent of the patients indicated they had required some conservative treatment for recurrent episodes of back or leg pain. Ten patients had subsequent back surgery; only one implant has dislocated.