This paper describes the relationship between recurrent lumbar disc herniation and canal stenosis. Between 1980-1993, 655 patients underwent operative treatment for lumbar disc herniation at our hospital. Forty-one patients with recurrent symptoms after lumber discectomy were evaluated, and 18 cases were examined with CT.
Factors seen with recurrent disc herniation were as follows:
1) facet hypertrophy
2) yellow ligament hypertrophy
3) vertebral osteophytes
4) lateral recess narrowing
5) developmental canal stenosis
In almost all recurrent cases, some factors of lumbar canal stenosis could be found.
