Work

Early Endoscopic Discectomy in Preventing Degenerative Spinal Changes in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we compare the outcomes of two patients with similar spinal pathologies who chose different treatment options. The first case involves a 38-year-old female with significant lumbar disc herniation and associated degenerative spinal changes, including type I Modic changes. She presented with sciatica and, after conservative treatments failed, underwent an endoscopic discectomy. This intervention led to a marked improvement in her pain and functional status, along with a partial resolution of the Modic changes and a decrease in multifidus atrophy and fatty infiltration, on her follow-up MRI. In the second case, we discuss a 33-year-old patient with a large disc herniation. Despite three years of conservative management, she developed Modic changes and sclerosis in the adjacent vertebral endplates and a worsening of multifidus atrophy and fatty infiltration. This report supports the consideration of early minimally invasive discectomy for young patients who do not benefit from conservative treatment, as a means to prevent the progression of degenerative spinal changes.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69725

Authors: Volodymyr Toropchyn, Rohan Sarna, Caitlin M Gray, Sanjeev Kumar

Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402639617