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Obesity and recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse after lumbar microdiscectomy

C Quah1, G Syme, G N Swamy

  • 1Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|May 1, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obesity does not predict recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse (IDP) after lumbar microdiscectomy. This study found no significant difference in recurrent IDP rates between obese and non-obese patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing concern in spinal surgery.
  • Recurrent intervertebral disc prolapse (IDP) is a potential complication after lumbar microdiscectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between obesity and recurrent IDP following lumbar microdiscectomy.
  • To determine if obesity is a risk factor for recurrent IDP.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 283 patients undergoing single-level lumbar microdiscectomy (2008-2012).
  • Patients were categorized as obese or non-obese.
  • Follow-up included assessments at two weeks, six weeks, and six months post-surgery.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant difference in postoperative infection, dural tear, or length of stay between obese and non-obese groups.
  • Recurrent IDP occurred in 9.5% of patients (10.0% non-obese, 8.6% obese).
  • Obesity was not found to be a predictor of recurrent IDP (p>0.8).

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is not a predictor of recurrent IDP after lumbar microdiscectomy.
  • This study represents the largest British series examining obesity and recurrent IDP post-microdiscectomy.

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