Surgery for lumbar radiculopathy/ sciatica
Radiculopathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by pain, motor weakness, and sensory disturbances in a myotomal or dermatomal distribution. When radicular symptoms are in the low back and legs, this condition is referred to as lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica. If pain or neurologic symptoms are severe or nonresponsive to conservative measures, then surgical treatment of the underlying causative mechanism may be warranted.
Status: Decision completed
Why is surgery for lumbar radiculopathy being reviewed?
Numerous surgical and nonsurgical approaches to the management of lumbar radiculopathy have been studied and are routinely used within current clinical practice. In addition to standard surgical techniques (e.g., laminectomy, discectomy), minimally invasive surgical techniques that use percutaneous, endoscopic, or laser-assisted approaches are now available.
Primary criteria ranking
- Safety = Medium
- Efficacy = High
- Cost = High
Documentation
| Type | Materials |
|---|---|
| Assessment (2018) |
Assessment timeline
- Draft key questions published: November 14, 2017
- Public comment period: November 14 to 27, 2017
- Final key questions published: December 21, 2017
- Draft report published: February 22, 2018
- Public comment period: February 22 to March 23, 2018
- Final report published: April 18, 2018
- HTCC public meeting: May 18, 2018