Surgical management of lumbar disc prolapse in Addis Ababa

Of 40 cases of lumbar disc prolapse, 30 involved the L4/5 disc. There was a preponderance of males, M:F ratio of 5.7:1. All 40 cases were unresponsive to medical treatment and underwent bilateral laminectomies and discectomies at the respective levels. The operative findings were; two free prolapses, 34 major disc bulges compressing the lumbar theca and nerve roots, and four lateral disc protrusions. The post operative course was uneventful except one case with wound dehiscence. The remainder were discharged upon improvement.