Studying Cutibacterium Acnes Role in Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease and How Microdiscectomy Surgery Affects Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the role of the bacterium Cutibacterium acnes in the development of degenerative disc disease among patients with lumbar disc herniation who have undergone microdiscectomy as part of their regular medical care. This study includes both retrospective and prospective components to better understand how C. acnes may affect patient outcomes and spinal health. The study involves two main parts. The retrospective part uses data from about 1200 adult patients collected between 2015 and 2024, including clinical, microbiological, and MRI information. The prospective part plans to enroll at least 400 patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy, collecting baseline data, perioperative tissue samples for microbiological analysis, and following patients after surgery. Tissue samples will be analyzed for bacterial quantity, types, virulence factors, and antibiotic susceptibility. Participants will have clinical assessments and complete questionnaires before surgery and at follow-up visits 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. These evaluations include pain scales, disability questionnaires, quality of life assessments, and patient satisfaction measures. Researchers will study the relationships between bacterial presence and clinical outcomes, including pain, disability, and quality of life over time.

The Role of Cutibacterium Acnes in the Development of Degenerative Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Disease