Table 1
INCLUSION CRITERIAEXCLUSION CRITERIA
concordant clinical signs to CT; MRI positive SLRT, axial pain, coughing,sensory signsprogressive neurological deficits
VAS >5 leg and back painextruded, sequestrated herniation (MRI-direct neuraldecompression)
symptomatic contained disc herniationsevere stenosis
discogenic back painsevere degeneative disc disease with end stage collapse >50%
herniation by posterior ligament not greater than 1/3 the sagital diameter ofthe spinal channelactivated osteochondritis, fracture, tumor, discitis
6 weeks failed conservative treatmentcauda equina syndrom
no leakage of contrast/dye into the spinal channel during discographyfixed motor deficit
slight neurological deficitsoversegmental instability - spondylolisthesis