Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Recurrent Hernia and Other Postoperative Complications After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study addresses low back pain, prevalent in 80% of adults, often caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Emphasizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)’s crucial role in LDH diagnosis and postoperative monitoring, the research underscores its significance in detecting complications, particularly recurrence, following LDH surgery. Methods: Our study focused on patients who had LDH surgery but were referred to our imaging center for new complaints. Retrospectively evaluating MRI images captured from May 2021 to October 2023, we investigated cases with issues like low back pain and motor or sensory deficits. Results: In our study involving 48 patients who underwent total laminectomy or hemi-laminectomy (21 males, 27 females, aged 19-80, mean age 50 ± 15 years), those with recurrent LDH had a higher average age, though not statistically significant (P=.183). No significant gender-recurrence relationship was observed (P=.503). Likewise, recurrent LDH cases showed no significant association with degenerative vertebral changes (P=.712). Notably, a significant link was identified between left-sided laminectomy and recurrence (P=.009). Conclusion: There are many studies in the literature that reveal different results regarding recurrence risk factors. The discrepancy in age and gender as risk factors for recurrent LDH suggests the need for further research, the findings of this study may contribute to clinical practices to understand and prevent recurrence in surgical interventions.