How Likely Is Reinjury after Microdiscectomy? Risk Factors and Prevention
Microdiscectomy is a common minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs in the spine. While this operation offers relief to many patients suffering from back pain and sciatica, a common concern is the possibility of reinjury or reherniation after the surgery. In this article, you will learn about the odds of reinjury following microdiscectomy, factors that influence these risks, and strategies to promote successful recovery.
Understanding Reinjury Risk
Reinjury after a microdiscectomy typically refers to a recurrent disc herniation at the same spinal level. Studies suggest that recurrence rates range from 5 to 15 percent, depending on various factors, including surgical technique, patient adherence to postoperative care, and individual physiological characteristics.
Common Causes of Reinjury
Several factors contribute to the likelihood of reinjury after microdiscectomy:
- Residual weakness in the disc - The removed portion of the herniated disc does not regenerate, leaving a weakened structure more susceptible to reherniation.
- Poor posture and spinal mechanics - Improper posture and movement patterns can put excessive strain on the lower back, increasing the risk of reherniation.
- Lack of core strength - Weak core muscles fail to provide adequate support to the spine, making reinjury more likely.
- Returning to activities too soon - Patients who resume strenuous physical activities too quickly may experience reinjury due to insufficient healing time.
- Smoking and poor lifestyle choices - Smoking decreases blood flow to spinal tissues, impairing healing and increasing the risk of recurrence.
- Preexisting disc degeneration - Individuals with existing degenerative disc disease are more prone to future disc herniations.
How Soon Reinjury Can Occur
Reinjury can happen within weeks, months, or even years after surgery. The most critical period for reherniation is within the initial period post-surgery, when the disc has not yet fully healed. However, patients may also experience recurrent herniations years later due to ongoing degeneration.
Risk Factors for Reherniation
Several risk factors influence the likelihood of reinjury:
- Age - Younger patients (under 40) may have a slightly higher recurrence risk due to increased disc hydration and mobility.
- Gender - Females have been found to have a higher risk of reherniation, with an odds ratio of 2.2 compared to males.
- Obesity - Excess weight places additional stress on the spine, increasing the likelihood of disc problems.
- Occupational hazards - Jobs requiring heavy lifting, bending, or prolonged sitting can elevate reinjury risk.
- Genetics - Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to disc degeneration.
- Prior spinal surgeries - Those who have undergone multiple spinal surgeries may be more susceptible to reinjury.
Preventing Reinjury after Microdiscectomy
To minimize the risk of reinjury, patients should follow these guidelines:
- Follow postoperative care instructions - Adhering to the surgeon’s recommendations, including rest and gradual activity resumption, is crucial for a successful recovery.
- Engage in physical therapy - A structured rehabilitation program focusing on core strengthening, flexibility, and proper movement mechanics can significantly reduce the risk of reinjury.
- Maintain proper posture - Using ergonomic chairs, maintaining a neutral spine posture, and avoiding prolonged sitting can prevent excessive strain on the lower back.
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting motions - Lifting objects improperly or engaging in abrupt twisting movements can increase the risk of disc reherniation.
- Incorporate low-impact exercise - Activities like swimming, walking, and yoga can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine without placing excessive stress on the discs.
- Quit smoking - Since smoking impairs healing, quitting can improve disc health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Maintain a healthy weight - A balanced diet and regular exercise can control weight and reduce strain on the spine.
- Consider surgical enhancements - In some cases, procedures such as spinal fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement may possibly be recommended by doctors if the risk of reherniation is high.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience recurrent pain, numbness, or weakness similar to pre-surgery symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider. Diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, can help the doctor determine if a recurrent herniation has occurred.
While microdiscectomy is generally a successful procedure, understanding and mitigating reinjury risks requires a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. By combining medical expertise, patient compliance, and proactive health management, individuals can significantly improve their long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Every patient’s journey is unique. Working closely with healthcare professionals, maintaining a positive attitude, and committing to rehabilitation can transform the recovery process from a challenge into an opportunity for improved spinal health.
Although microdiscectomy surgery is generally a very successful procedure, a hole is left in the outer wall of the disc. Patients with a large hole in the outer ring of the disc are more than twice as likely to reherniate after surgery. A new treatment, Barricaid, which is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce the likelihood of a reherniation, was specifically designed to close the large hole often left in the spinal disc after microdiscectomy. In a large-scale study, 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us today.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.