RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY RECURRENT LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION: EVALUATION OF 1453 PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: Early recurrence of lumbar disc herniation (eRLDH) is a common complication of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for eRLDH. Materials and Methods: Data from 1453 patients who underwent surgery for LDH at our clinic between April 2012 and April 2019 were extracted from the hospital records. Eighty-eight patients underwent repeat surgery due to eRLDH in the postoperative period (between 2 and 12 months). In total, 101 patients who underwent surgery for LDH, but who did not present with eRLDH, were randomly allocated to the control group. The demographic characteristics, types of surgery and magnetic resonance images of the patients were examined. Results: The mean age of the 189 patients was 46.5±11.4 years. Age, gender, occupation and body mass index were not risk factors for eRLDH. However, patients with eRLDH were shorter in height. Smoking status of the patients with LDH was a risk factor for eRLDH. No relationship was found between disc level and eRLDH. eRLDH was less common in patients who underwent aggressive discectomy. In addition, the location of the herniated disc in the axial plane, its migration in the vertical plane and its relationship with the posterior longitudinal ligament were not risk factors for eRLDH. The disc height in the operated level was lower in the eRLDH group. Conclusion: Being short in height, smoking, limited discectomy and low disc height are risk factors for eRLDH.