Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Discectomy for lumbar disc herniation has a high rate of reoperation and recurrent herniation. METHODS: Retrospectively matched cohort of patients undergoing lumbar discectomy alone or with a strutted intradiscal spacer. RESULTS: 133 discectomy and 112 patients with discectomy plus spacer were included. Pain and disability scores were significantly lower for both groups at 2 years. Patients receiving a strutted intradiscal spacer following discectomy had a reduced rate of all-cause reoperations and operations for recurrent herniations compared to discectomy alone. CONCLUSION: Use of a strutted intradiscal spacer following discectomy improves surgical outcomes following surgery for lumbar herniation versus discectomy alone.