Multifidus fat infiltration negatively influences the postoperative outcomes in lumbar disc herniation following transforaminal approach percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of multifidus muscle fat infiltration on clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 224 patients who underwent lateral PELD, with complete one-year follow-up data. Patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative MRI evaluation of L4 multifidus muscle fat infiltration: a mild group (ResultsAt the final follow-up, significant improvements in VAS scores for back and leg pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores were observed in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative VAS scores for back and leg pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores between the two groups. However, significant differences were found in VAS scores for back pain, ODI scores, and EQ-5D scores at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P ConclusionThe effectiveness of postoperative PELD in patients with LDH is impacted by severe multifidus muscle fat infiltration. Multifidus muscle fat infiltration represents a risk factor for recurrent LDH after PELD.