Radiologic and Patient-derived Predictors for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation After Minimally Invasive Tubular Discectomy: A Single-center Analysis of 404 Patients

Tubular lumbar discectomy has similar rates of recurrent lumbar disc herniations when compared to traditional open microdiscectomy surgery. Our data suggest that Modic endplate changes are associated with increased risk of recurrent lumbar disc herniation. The rate of comorbid diabetes mellitus was non-significantly higher in patients who experienced a reherniation. Although not statistically significant, the recurrence group showed an increased prevalence of subligamentous herniations, suggesting that this herniation subtype may be associated with recurrence.