A novel classification based on magnetic resonance imaging for individualized surgical strategies of lumbar disc herniation.

INTRODUCTION: Although the anatomy and pathology of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) have been clearly defined and classified in many studies, its imaging definition and classification still needs further clarification. This study intends to propose a novel classification and individualized surgical strategy for LDH based on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to MRI features, LDH types were identified, and the corresponding surgical strategies were formulated to accurately remove the herniated discs while minimizing the disturbance to the normal disc. We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of LDH patients who underwent surgery guided by this classification system. RESULTS: This study included 357 patients with LDH who underwent tubular microdiscectomy. LDH was classified into four types based on MRI features. The inter- and intra-observer agreement using this classification was good. The follow-up results showed that surgery improved visual analog scale scores for low-back and leg pain and the Oswestry disability index in patients with different LDH types. The average recurrence rate at 1-5 years postoperatively was 5.62%. There was no significant difference in recurrence rates among the four LDH types (3.7-6.2%). MRI showed no significant differences in the Pfirrmann grade and disc height index of the operated segment between before surgery and 1-3 years after surgery. The operated segments did not show faster disc degeneration rates compared to adjacent proximal segments. CONCLUSIONS: We proposed a novel classification system and an individualized surgical strategy for LDH based on preoperative MRI. Further, the surgical suitable interventions guided by this system achieved good clinical outcomes and mild recurrence rates.