LAUSR

CASE A previously healthy military recruit underwent routine microdiscectomy after lumbar disc herniation. After a period of improvement, he developed recurrent pain without repeat injury. Advanced imaging showing loss of marrow signal, and disc height was concerning for discitis. Inflammatory markers remained negative. Conservative treatment without antibiotics led to symptom resolution. CONCLUSION This case demonstrates an unusual complication after lumbar microdiscectomy in a healthy individual. The recurrent symptoms and imaging changes were likely secondary to aseptic discitis and rapid degeneration rather than infection. A stepwise approach is critical for determining the cause of pain exacerbation after spinal procedures.