[Operation results in 2000 cases of lumbar intervertebral disk lesions (author's transl)]

Operative treatment of lesions of the lumbar intervertebral disks with compression of the nerve roots is directed against the principal biomechanical cause of the clinical picture of the lumbosciatica. Very satisfactory results can be obtained if, besides the removal of the prolapsed portions of the disk in the intervertebral space, the diseased layer is also carefully cleared out as far as it is possible to do so, in the interests of preventing relapse. The operation should not be considered one for the inexperienced surgeon. The importance of reliable preoperative localization of the level of the root compression by lumbar radiculography is emphasized.