Recurrent or junctional lumbar foraminal herniated disc in patients operated withtrans pars microscopic approach

Study design This is a retrospective monocentric studyObjective The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of recurrent or junctional lumbar foraminal herniated disc, in patients treated with trans pars microsurgical approach.Background Foraminal lumbar disc herniation represents a challenging pathology for the spinal surgeon. The appropriate surgical approach still represents a matter of debate. Several open and minimally-invasive techniques have been developed, in order to allow a proper tissue exposure and preserving the vertebral stability. The trans-pars approach has already been described as a possible alternative, allowing excellent exposure of the herniated fragment with minimum bone removal. While few studies have analyzed the very low rate of post-operative instability, no articles deal with the incidence of post-operative herniated disc recurrence or junctional disc herniation in patients treated with this technique.Methods We enrolled 160 patients operated at our institution.A univariate and multivariate analysis of possible factors influencing outcome (age, sex, level and BMI) was performed. Outcome variables were: recurrent or junctional herniated disc. Results At the end 135 patients were analyzed. Of the 135 patients, six presented recurrent herniated disc (4.4%) and other three developed a junctional herniation (2.2%). The occurrence of junctional herniated disc or recurrent herniated disc were not influenced by the analyzed variables, both at univariate and at multivariate analysesConclusion The trans pars approach presents a low rate of recurrence and junctional herniation. Age, sex, level and BMI do not influence the recurrence rate, both at same level and at junctional level.