Failed Back Syndrome Due to Postoperative Lumbar Discal Pseudocyst: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Abstract

Lumbar discectomy is a common spinal surgery performed for slipped or herniated discs in the lumbar spine. However, postoperative discal pseudocysts are a rare complication, with an incidence rate of less than 1%, which can lead to failed back syndrome. Only 38 cases have been described in the literature so far. Clinicians must understand their pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management to diagnose and treat these rare cases. Here, we present a case of a 29-year-old male with a recurrence of radicular pain in the lower limb within 2 weeks of microdiscectomy surgery due to postoperative lumbar discal pseudocyst.