[Chemonucleolysis--analysis of results]

Abstract

A 6 months follow-up evaluation of 43 patients, who had chemonucleolysis, revealed an excellent and good result in 63%. 16% were sufficient and 21% were failures, half of them required operation. These results are comparable with other studies, particularly with the first 5-20-year follow-up results from USA, and resemble to results of operated disk herniation however with a lower rate of complications. Good results within the first few months generally remain good while poor results may be improved by conservative treatment. Chemonucleolysis is not recommended in sequestrated herniation, stenosis of the spinal canal and in elderly patients especially with chronic low back pain.