Surgical treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Between 2001 and 2005, 43 patients (average age 54.2, range 36–68 years) with recurrent lumbar disc herniation underwent reoperation with the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique at our unit. All cases were followed up for 24–72 months (mean 45 months) and graded using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score system pre- and post-operation and during the follow-up period. The leg pain of all patients was relieved significantly within one month postoperatively. The mean JOA score was improved from 9.3 before surgery to 25.0 at the final follow-up visit (P<0.0001). The average recovery rate was 86.0% (range 52–100%). General clinical outcome was excellent in 23 (53.5%) patients, good in 14 (32.6%) and fair in 6 (13.9%). The fusion rate was 100% two years postoperatively. Three patients (7%) had transient neurological deficits, which resolved completely within 3 months. There were no major complications. We, therefore, believe the TLIF technique to be an effective procedure with satisfactory clinical results for the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.