Impact of Pelvic Volume on Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Comparative Study of Male and Female Patients

Introduction: To investigate the role of pelvic volume in the recurrence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) among patients with anatomically normal lumbar spine parameters and no degenerative changes.

Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients (ages 20-45) with recurrent lumbar disc herniation over a 10-year period. Patients presented no degenerative changes in the spine, with normal sagittal plane lumbar lordosis. Pelvic volumes were measured using advanced imaging techniques, and comparisons were made between male and female patients to assess the association between increased pelvic volume and LDH recurrence.

Results: The analysis revealed a significant association between increased pelvic volume and higher recurrence rates of LDH. When stratified by gender, differences in pelvic volume were observed, with an increase in volume correlating with a greater recurrence rate in both males and females. This trend was statistically significant, suggesting pelvic volume as a potential risk factor for LDH recurrence, independent of other spinal degenerative factors.

Conclusion : Pelvic volume may play a critical role in the recurrence of lumbar disc herniation, particularly in patients without underlying degenerative changes. These findings underscore the importance of considering pelvic anatomy in managing and predicting outcomes in LDH patients. Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to substantiate these preliminary findings and explore underlying biomechanical mechanisms.