Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for recurrence after lumbar disc surgery in pets
By Haibier A et al.·2026·Xinjiang Medical University, China·View original on Europe PMC →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Comprehensive identification of risk factors for recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at what might cause back problems to come back after a specific surgery called Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD), which is done for a condition known as Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH). Researchers reviewed many studies and found that about 11% of patients experienced a recurrence after the surgery. Factors that increased the chances of this happening included being older, having a higher body weight, smoking, having diabetes, and certain changes in the spine seen on imaging. Additionally, if the surgery caused a rupture in the spinal tissue or if patients returned to intense activities too soon, their risk of recurrence was also higher. Overall, the findings suggest that several factors can influence whether back problems return after this type of surgery.
Abstract
<h4>Objective</h4>This meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors associated with postoperative recurrence following Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD) for Lumbar Disc Herniation (LDH).<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases for case-control and cohort studies investigating risk factors for recurrence after PELD, from their inception until August 30, 2025. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software to calculate the pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each potential factor.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 39 case-control studies, involving 14,454 patients, were included. The overall postoperative recurrence rate was 11.0% (95% CI: 9.1%-13.0%). Factors significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence included: Modic changes (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.25-2.23), particularly type II Modic changes (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.02-2.72); diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.52-3.59); smoking (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.27-3.21); intraoperative annulus fibrosus rupture (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.28-4.49); greater sagittal range of motion (SROM) (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.58-2.53); higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.18-1.42); advanced age (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.12-1.30); and high-intensity postoperative activity (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.23-2.44). Among the herniation types, sequestrated disc herniation was associated with the highest recurrence risk. No significant correlation was found between the Pfirrmann grading system and recurrence risk (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.95-1.60).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The results of this meta-analysis indicate that recurrence after PELD for LDH is associated with a range of factors. Significant independent patient-related risk factors include advanced age, higher BMI, smoking, diabetes, and the presence of Modic changes (especially type II). Regarding surgical factors, intraoperative annulus fibrosus rupture significantly increases the risk of recurrence. Postoperatively, engaging in high-intensity activities too early or having a greater lumbar SROM also markedly elevates the probability of recurrence.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41953493