Wallis interspinous device versus discectomy for lumbar disc herniation : A comparative study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of low back pain.
• Surgical interventions aim to alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.
• The Wallis interspinous device is a potential adjunct to discectomy for LDH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Wallis interspinous device in treating LDH.
• To compare the incidence of recurrent herniation with and without the device.
• To assess the impact on pain and disability scores.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study of 72 patients with LDH.
• Primary discectomy with Wallis device implantation in 36 patients.
• Outcomes measured using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
• Recurrent herniation rates were tracked post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI scores post-surgery (p < 0.01).
• No significant differences in VAS or ODI scores were observed between groups (p > 0.05).
• Recurrent herniation rates were similar between the Wallis device group and the discectomy-alone group (13.9% vs. 16.6%, p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The Wallis interspinous device did not enhance clinical outcomes or reduce recurrent LDH after discectomy.
• The device's benefit in treating LDH requires careful pre-operative consideration.
• Further investigation may be needed to determine the device's role in LDH management.