Lumbar microdiscectomy: Subperiosteal versus transmuscular approach and influence on the early postoperative analgesic consumption

125 patients undergoing first time lumbar microdiscectomy were randomized to compare blunt splitting transmuscular approach to the interlaminar window with the subperiosteal microsurgical technique. Outcome assessments were made up to 6 days postoperatively. The early postoperative outcomes of back- and leg-pain VAS and ODI after disc surgery were equivalent in both the TM and SP groups. The perioperative consumption of analgesics was significantly lower in patients operated by the transmuscular route.