Korean J Spine.  2011 Jun;8(2):129-132. 10.14245/kjs.2011.8.2.129.

Rapid Repeated Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation after Microscopic Discectomies

• Lee D
• Eom KS

• KMID: 2288453
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2011.8.2.129

Abstract

The recurrence of lumbar disc herniation after single-level discectomy is a well-known complication. Pain and neurological symptoms during the first week after surgery can be caused by missed pathology or early recurrent disc herniation. However, recurrent disc herniation that causes segmental instability after repeat operation is rare. Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old woman having a rare complication of rapid recurrent lumbar disc herniation after 2 microscopic discectomies within a short period. We suggest that rapid disc fragmentation and rapid growth of annular defect caused rapid repeated recurrence of lumbar disc herniation and segmental instability. Further investigation will be needed to identify the cause of this rapid disc degeneration.

Keyword

Recurrent lumbar disc herniation; Instability; Annular laxity

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diskectomy
Female
Humans
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Recurrence