Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: Does Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Lead to Better Clinical and Radiological Outcomes than Redo-Discectomy?

STUDY DESIGN: randomized, prospective, and level I clinical study. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and radiological findings of revision discectomy alone versus revision discectomy with fusion as surgical treatment for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RDH). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: RDH is a common complication following a primary discectomy. The optimal surgical procedure for RDH is still debated. METHODS: Sixty patients with RDH were randomly divided into two equal groups: the first group underwent revision discectomy alone and the second underwent revision discectomy with fusion. The primary outcomes evaluated were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for low back and limb pains, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), disc height indexes, foraminal height index, and disc height subsidence. Secondary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: Revision discectomy with fusion showed superior pain relief and improved functional outcomes, including better VAS scores for both back and leg pain and ODI at 24-month follow-up. Additionally, it restored the stability of the spine better with lower disc height subsidence without significant complications. However, these advantages came at the cost of increased blood loss and longer operative time and hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: Revision discectomy with fusion is recommended for RDH; however, the choice of the procedure should be made case-by-case basis, considering many factors related to the patient and surgical facilities.