Outcome after Surgical Treatment for Late Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniations in Standard Open Microsurgery

Purpose There is a lack of studies highlighting the outcome by different scores or parameters after surgery for recurrent disc herniations of the lumbar spine at the initial herniation site. This study assessed the quality of life after surgical treatment of recurrent herniations with different standardized validated outcome instruments. Methods During a 24-month period, 64 patients underwent (microscope assisted) surgery for recurrent disc herniations of the lumbar spine. The postoperative quality of life was tested with Short Form-36, the Oswestry Disability Index, the EuroQol health status 5D, and Prolo questionnaires. Leg and back pain before and after surgery was assessed. Results The patients showed a good overall outcome, but still not satisfying enough compared with the very good surgical results reported in the literature, for the surgical treatment of primary disc herniations. Conclusions Patients have to be informed carefully before surgery of recurrent lumbar disc herniations because of the less-promising outcome than after first time surgery for a lumbar disc herniation.