Considerations and approaches to revision discectomy

Abstract Recurrent disc herniation is the most common complication following operative treatment for lumbar disc herniation. Surgical indications for recurrent disc herniation are similar to those for primary disc herniation, but the surgical decision-making process is complicated by several factors including the anatomic location of the disc herniation, the amount of bone removed in the index procedure, the presence of radiographic instability, and the degree of axial lower back pain versus radicular pain that drives the need for revision surgery. The surgeon must consider the unique aspects of revision laminectomy and discectomy when both planning for and carrying out this procedure.