title: Repair using conventional implant for ruptured annulus fibrosus after lumbar discectomy: surgical technique and case series.
abstract: METHODS
  A retrospective review of annulus fibrosus repair (AR) using a novel technique with a conventional implant.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to present the feasibility and clinico-radiological outcomes of a novel AR technique using a conventional implant to minimize recurrence following a lumbar discectomy (LD).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Conventional repair techniques to prevent recurrence following LD have several drawbacks. The AR surgical technique has received little attention as an adjunct to LD.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 19 patients who underwent novel AR following LD, and who were available for follow-up for at least three years, were enrolled in this study. Several variables, including the type and size of disc herniation, and the degree of disc degeneration, were evaluated preoperatively. Postoperatively, the presence of clinical and radiological recurrence of disc herniation was evaluated from pain intensity and functional statuses, as well as an enhanced L-spine magnetic resonance imaging at the final follow-up. The presence of a peripheral hollow rim and inserted anchor mobilization were also evaluated during the follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During follow-ups, there were no recurrences of disc herniation or complications, including neurovascular complications. Pain and functional disability improved significantly after surgery, and the improvement was maintained throughout the three-year follow-up period. No mobilization or implant peripheral hollow rim was observed during the follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study examined the feasibility of a novel and easily available annulus implant technique following LD. These results suggest performing AR with this technique may be a valuable alternative for optimizing outcomes, if the procedure is performed in proper candidates.
authors.affiliation: Spine Center and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pohang Semyeng Christianty Hospital, Pohang, Korea.
authors.forename: Bo-Gun
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Suh
authors.affiliation: Spine Center and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pohang Semyeng Christianty Hospital, Pohang, Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Hyung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Uh
authors.affiliation: Spine Center and Department of Neurosurgery, Pohang Semyeng Christianty Hospital, Pohang, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Hyuk
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Armed Forces Yangju Hospital, Yangju, Korea.
authors.forename: Gun Woo
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Annulus fibrosus; Intervertebral disc displacement; Lumbar vertebrae; Repair