A Novel Classification of Migrated Lumbar Disk Herniation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Algorithm Recommendations for Full-Endoscopic Discectomy.

Study design: Retrospective clinical study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish a novel classification of migrated lumbar disk herniation (LDH) based on magnetic resonance imaging and provide appropriate treatment strategies for each type through algorithms.

Summary of background data: Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a surgical technique that has been developed rapidly in recent years. For migrated LDH, few surgeons currently classify it with multiplanar positioning, and there is no consensus on the choice of treatment strategy. Therefore, we established a new multiplanar classification criteria that can localize the lesions more accurately than previous studies.

Methods: A total of 263 eligible patients from March 2017 to March 2022 were included. Protrusions for each patient were located based on our classification and the surgical approach was selected according to our algorithms. The clinical symptoms of all patients before surgery, and at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery were collected. Evaluations were performed using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. We used the chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test to compare perioperative results and postoperative 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up results.

Results: VAS (low back pain) scores were reduced from 5.33 ± 2.67 to 0.73 ± 0.77 (p < 0.001), and VAS (leg pain) scores were reduced from 7.44 ± 2.21 to 0.37 ± 0.51 (p < 0.001). ODI scores improved from 58.46 ± 8.04 to 12.57 ± 2.51 (p < 0.001). According to the modified MacNab criteria, the excellent and good rate reached 92.78% at the 12-month follow-up. Twenty-six patients developed complications, all of which improved after treatment. Recurrence occurred in 13 patients, and four of them underwent secondary surgery.

Conclusions: This is an innovative classification method using multi-plane positioning, and the algorithm used with it can help surgeons make appropriate choices when using endoscopic technology to treat migrated LDH. Statistical analysis of follow-up data confirmed that this is a safe and effective strategy.