Surgical treatment of 63 cases of conjoined nerve roots

The operative results of 63 cases of lumbar disc disease with surgically confirmed conjoined nerve roots are reviewed. The first 55 patients were treated by standard hemilaminectomy and discectomy, with only 30% reporting a good result. Of the last eight patients treated by hemilaminectomy, pediculectomy, and discectomy, seven patients returned to work. Te rationale for and the technique of pediculectomy are discussed in detail. Clinical, radiological, and surgical clues indicating the presence of the conjoined nerve root anomaly are reviewed.