To estimate the prognosis of surgical treatment through the comparative analysis of patients who had reoperation for failed lumbar disc surgery space (FLDS).

31 patients who had a surgical operation for sciatica due to recurrent disc herniation or fibrous tissue adhesion were analyzed. Clinical features and surgical results of both groups were evaluated.

In clinical analysis, a positive SLR test of less than 40, pain upon coughing, and a reduced walking capacity were common in recurrent herniation. Satisfactory postoperative results were achieved in 12 cases (80%) of the recurrent disc herniation group, 2 cases (50%) of the diffuse type and in 8 cases (67%) of the focal type of fibrous tissue adhesion group.

In term of clinical signs, the SLR test is one of the most important factors in differentiating the preoperative cause of FLDS. Although them was no difference in the statistics, the surgical outcome in patients with focal root compression is more satisfactory than in the diffuse type in the fibrous tissue adhesion group.