title: Recurrent lumbar disc protrusion.
abstract: Seventy-six patients who underwent re-operation for recurrent lumbar disc protrusion were analysed to define the pattern of disc recurrence and the outcome following the operation. Whereas recurrence after an L4/5 discectomy occurred at the same level in 66%, recurrence after an L5/S1 discectomy was as likely to occur at L4/5 as at L5/S1. Outcome was inversely related to the number of operations. A satisfactory outcome after the first procedure was usually associated with a satisfactory ultimate outcome. Associated complications were few but of a severe nature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Regional Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Buckley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation