ABSTRACT
We assessed the stability of lumbar spine in cases subjected to open lumbar discectomy. Operative interference was mainly at the level of L4-5 in 76 cases [84.4 percent]. All cases had subjected to clinical and radiological examination pre- and post-operative for a period of follow-up at least one year to detect post-operative sequel and instability. The results of this study proved that instability of lumbar spine post-operative was detected in 36 cases [40 percent]. It was found that there was a significant relation between sex and lumbar instability [more in males 52.1 percent] and a significant relationship between occupation and lumbar stability where instability was higher in manual workers [50 percent]. Also, there was a significant relation between the period of follow-up and instability. We concluded from this study that here is a significant relation between lumbar discectomy and instability, more in males and manual workers and with the length of the period of follow-up