Risk factors of Recurrent Lumbar Disk Herniation

Abstract

Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH) is a common cause of poor outcomes after lumbar discectomy surgery. Studies focused on risk factors of true recurrent disk herniation at the same level and side, are few. The aim of current study is to evaluate risk factors of recurrent disc herniation in Iranian population. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 160 patients who underwent herniated lumbar discectomy between 2008 and 2011. A clinically significant recurrent herniation was defined as a disc herniation causing leg pain with radiographic (MRI) evidence of disc material at the same side and level of the index surgery causing impingement, compression or deviation of nerve tissue. A series of patients without recurrence was used for comparison to identify possible risk factors for recurrent LDH. There was significant difference between groups with and without LDH in sex (p = 0.003), smoking habit (p = 0.004), height (p = 0.04), weight (p = 0.006) and occupational characteristic (p<0.001). By putting these differences in logistic regression analysis, it showed that gender (male), taller height, heavy works and being smoker could predict lumbar disc herniation recurrence. Considering sex, smoking and heavy works as predictors of recurrent LDH, surgeons should advice their patients to limit hard work and put away smoking especially in tall and male ones to prevent LDH recurrence. é 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.