Recurrent disc prolapse as a cause of recurrent pain after laminectomy for lumbar disc lesions.

Recurrent disc lesions occur in about 19 percent of patients having a primary laminectomy and occurring in just under half (46 percent) of those suffering recurrent pain. The clinical features are similar to those of a primary disc lesion. The most likely site (two out of three) is the same disc level as before, with an equal probability of involving the previous or its opposite side. Re-operation appears to carry a good prognosis, with 80 percent good results, while with conservative treatment 45 percent will settle down in less than three months.