Surgical discectomy in an active-duty military population: a report of 66 consecutive cases

Sixty-six consecutive active duty military personnel with herniated lumbar intervertebral discs were treated by open surgical discectomy. Of these patients, 54 (82%) had relief of their radiating leg pain and were able to return to full duty status. The other 12 patients (18%) were unable to return to full duty because of either persistent postoperative radiating leg pain or low back pain. Open surgical discectomy is an effective treatment modality for lumbar disc herniations in a military population with a vigorous life-style mandated by their active duty status.