Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
04:42

Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Published on: June 16, 2023

614

Moderate to Severe Multifidus Fatty Atrophy is the Risk Factor for Recurrence After Microdiscectomy of Lumbar Disc

Fengzhao Zhu1, Dongqing Jia2, Yaqing Zhang1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.

Neurospine
|July 4, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Moderate-severe multifidus fatty atrophy (MFA) is a key risk factor for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) after tubular microdiscectomy. Identifying MFA aids surgeons in surgical planning and prognosis assessment for rLDH patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedics
  • Spinal Surgery

Background:

  • Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) presents a significant challenge after initial surgical treatment.
  • Tubular microdiscectomy is a common procedure for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
  • Identifying risk factors for rLDH is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential risk factors associated with recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) following tubular microdiscectomy.
  • To identify predictors of poor prognosis in patients experiencing rLDH.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 350 patients who underwent tubular microdiscectomy for LDH.
  • Comparison of clinical and radiological factors between patients with and without rLDH.
  • Logistic regression analysis to determine significant risk factors for rLDH.

Main Results:

  • The overall recurrence rate was 5.7%.
  • Moderate-severe multifidus fatty atrophy (MFA) was identified as the sole and strongest independent risk factor for rLDH.
  • Patients with rLDH showed a worse prognosis, indicated by higher leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at final follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Moderate-severe MFA is a significant risk factor for rLDH after tubular microdiscectomy.
  • This finding is vital for surgeons in developing surgical strategies and assessing prognosis.
  • Early identification of MFA may help mitigate the risk of recurrence.
Keywords:
Logistic regressionLumbar disc herniationMicrodiscectomyMultifidus fatty atrophyRecurrenceRisk factor

More Related Videos

Novel Mini-open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion05:52

Novel Mini-open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Published on: June 6, 2025

121

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Complications of Diabetes Mellitus01:22

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency, resistance, or both. Prolonged hyperglycemia disrupts metabolic homeostasis and leads to acute and chronic complications.Acute ComplicationsAcute complications result from sudden metabolic imbalance.Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) mainly appears in type 1 diabetes but may also develop in type 2 diabetes, particularly under extreme stress. It arises from severe insulin deficiency,...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...