A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that treating patients within the first six months of presenting with a herniated disc is associated with improved outcomes, according to a news release from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The study followed 1,192 patients enrolled in the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial at 13 multidisciplinary spinal practices in 11 states. The patients either received operative or non-operative treatment.
At the six week, three month, six month, one year and two year follow-ups, outcomes were significantly worse for patients who had experienced symptoms for more than six months prior to treatment. The patients who underwent surgical treatment also reported better results than patients who underwent non-operative treatment.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Study: Most Instrumented Lumbar Fusion Patients Don't Require Routine Postoperative Radiographs
Study Compares Bipedicular to Unipedicular Kyphoplasty
Researchers Examine Growth Factors to Slow, Reverse Disc Degeneration
At the six week, three month, six month, one year and two year follow-ups, outcomes were significantly worse for patients who had experienced symptoms for more than six months prior to treatment. The patients who underwent surgical treatment also reported better results than patients who underwent non-operative treatment.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Study: Most Instrumented Lumbar Fusion Patients Don't Require Routine Postoperative Radiographs
Study Compares Bipedicular to Unipedicular Kyphoplasty
Researchers Examine Growth Factors to Slow, Reverse Disc Degeneration