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Published on: August 7, 2018
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Improvement of sensory function after sequestrectomy for lumbar disc herniation: a prospective clinical study using
Anja Tschugg1, Sara Lener2, Sebastian Hartmann2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. anja.tschugg@i-med.ac.at.
Summary
Quantitative sensory testing (QST) revealed significant sensory function recovery after lumbar sequestrectomy for herniated discs. Post-surgery quality of life improved, independent of sensory deficits, but correlated with pain reduction.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Previous studies on lumbar disc herniation relied on subjective sensory recovery assessments.
- No prior research quantified sensory function changes in patients with preoperative deficits using quantitative sensory testing (QST).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the recovery of preoperative sensory dysfunction following lumbar sequestrectomy.
- To determine the correlation between sensory deficits and patient quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Applied the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain (DFNS) QST protocol to 52 patients undergoing lumbar sequestrectomy for herniated discs.
- Collected data via medical history, physical examination, numeric rating scale for leg pain, EQ-5D questionnaire, and thermal/vibration testing.
Main Results:
- Lumbar sequestrectomy significantly reduced leg pain and improved quality of life.
- Preoperative sensory perception thresholds (thermal, mechanical, vibration) showed significant side-to-side differences.
- Mechanical and vibration perception recovered early; cold perception recovery took over 6 months. Quality of life correlated with pain reduction, not sensory thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative sensory dysfunction shows subjective and quantifiable improvement after lumbar sequestrectomy.
- Sensory dysfunction does not appear to influence a patient's quality of life.
