Wallis interspinous device versus discectomy for lumbar disc herniation

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Wallis interspinous device for treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) as well as to investigate whether the device could reduce the incidence of recurrent herniation in comparison with disc excision alone. A total of 72 patients with LDH were treated with primary discectomy and the Wallis interspinous device was implanted in 36. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after surgery. The incidence of recurrent disc herniation after the operation was also evaluated. There was a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in the clinical outcomes assessed by the VAS and ODI scores compared with preoperative values in both groups. Up to the final follow-up, there were no significant differences between the two groups in VAS and ODI scores (p > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference regarding the incidence of recurrent disc herniation between the two groups (13.9% vs. 16.6%, p > 0.05). Of the patients five underwent second discectomy or fusion surgery. The Wallis interspinous device was unable to improve the already good clinical outcome after discectomy for LDH and prevent or reduce recurrence of herniated disc in the current follow-up interval. Whether the device for should be used for LDH should be carefully considered before surgery.