Outcomes Comparison: Conservative and Surgical Treatments for Early Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical and conservative treatments for early recurrent lumbar disc herniation, addressing a gap in current clinical understanding. Material and Method: Patients who underwent single-level microdiscectomy between 2006 and 2023 and experienced recurrence within six months were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into surgical and conservative treatment groups, and demographics, recurrence characteristics, and functional outcomes were assessed. Functional outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: Of the 75 cases studied, 76% opted for repeat surgery, while 24% pursued conservative treatment. There were no significant differences in demographics or recurrence characteristics between groups (p > 0.05). Initial VAS and ODI scores were significantly higher in the conservative treatment group compared to the surgical group (p = 0.001; p < 0.01), but no significant differences were observed at the 6-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Despite the earlier recovery experienced by patients undergoing surgery, there were no discernible differences in outcomes between surgical and conservative treatments in the later stages of recovery. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of considering both surgical and conservative approaches in managing early recurrent lumbar disc herniation, offering insights into treatment outcomes and recovery trajectories.