Recurrent lumbar disk herniation – Fusion is the answer

Abstract

Recurrent lumbar disk herniations (rLDHs) are becoming a common occurrence in present times. However, the optimal surgical strategy for their management is a not clear with discectomy alone and discectomy followed by fusion emerging as the main surgical options. In this editorial debate, we discuss why discectomy and fusion is better option for the management of such cases. The complication rates, treatment satisfaction rates, visual analog scale (VAS) leg pain scores, and rates of adjacent segment disease (ASD) requiring surgery are similar in both the groups. However, the back pain score and reoperation rates are better in fusion surgeries. Moreover, the problems needing reoperations (hardware problems and ASD) in fusion group are easier to treat. Fusion surgery is already indicated in rLDH cases with deformity, instability, and significant axial low back pain. We believe it should be considered in all cases due to negligible risk of recurrence, addressing the iatrogenic spinal instability caused due to extensive bony work, ease of surgery due to more working space, and better restoration of disk height and sagittal balance.