Comparison of effects between radiofrequency ablation and lumbar diskectomy through transforaminal endoscopic system in lumbar discogenic pain

Objective To compare the effect between radiofrequency ablation and lumbar diskectomy through transforaminal endoscopic system in lumbar discogenic pain.Methods From August 2010 to May 2012,16 cases of lumbar discogenic pain including 7 female,9 male were retrospectively analyzed.The average age was 37.5 years(range 26-49 years).Of all patients,10 cases were treated with radiofrequency ablation and 6 cases with lumbar diskectomy through transforaminal endoscopic system in C-arm fluoroscopy.visual analog scale(VAS) scores was used to observe pain relief and pain recurrence preoperatively and postoperatively.Operating time was also observed.Results Operating time was 34 min and VAS score changed from 7.5 to 0.8 in radiofrequency ablation group,3 cases with pain recurrence within half a year.Operating time was 78.8 min and VAS score changed from 7.7 to 1.2 in lumbar diskectomy group through transforaminal endoscopic system,1 case with pain recurrence.Conclusion Radiofrequency ablation and lumbar diskectomy through transforaminal endoscopic system both can relieve lumbar discogenic pain.Less injury was in radiofrequency ablation group but accompanying partial recurrence rate,and lower recurrence rate was in lumbar diskectomy group through transforaminal endoscopic system which needs longer operating time.