SIII and Spontaneous Regression in Lumbar Disc Herniation

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common spinal disorder that may be managed conservatively or surgically depending on clinical severity and response to treatment. Inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms are known to contribute to disc degeneration and symptom progression; however, reliable and easily accessible biomarkers that may assist in treatment decision-making remain limited. The Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SIII), derived from peripheral blood neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts, has emerged as a comprehensive indicator reflecting systemic inflammatory and immune status.

This retrospective observational study evaluated patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation who were followed in the Neurosurgery Clinic between June 1, 2020, and January 30, 2023. Demographic characteristics, clinical and neurological findings at admission, comorbidities, treatment modality, laboratory parameters, and radiological findings were obtained from medical records. Patients were categorized into three groups: those managed conservatively with medical treatment, those who underwent surgical intervention, and healthy individuals included as a control group.

Peripheral blood parameters, including neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, were recorded, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and SIII values were calculated. Comparisons of inflammatory markers were performed among the medical treatment, surgical treatment, and control groups to assess differences related to disease severity and treatment approach.

The analysis demonstrated significantly higher neutrophil counts, NLR, and SIII values in patients who required surgical treatment compared with both medically treated patients and healthy controls. These findings indicate that elevated systemic inflammatory indices are associated with more severe clinical presentations requiring surgical intervention.

Overall, this study aims to clarify the clinical relevance of SIII in lumbar disc herniation and to explore its potential role as an adjunct biomarker for evaluating disease severity and supporting treatment decisions in routine clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Dagnosis of lumbar disc herniation confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Follow-up at the Department of Neurosurgery between June 1, 2020, and January 30, 2023
• Availability of baseline complete blood count and inflammatory marker data
• For the surgical group: Patients who underwent single-level, unilateral lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) for acute lumbar disc herniation
• For the medical treatment group: Patients with single-level, unilateral lumbar disc herniation who did not undergo surgery and demonstrated spontaneous regression during follow-up after medical treatment
• For the control group: Individuals without spinal disease who applied to the outpatient clinic with headache complaints and had available routine blood test results

Exclusion criteria

• Previous medical or surgical treatment for lumbar disc pathology
• Presence of systemic inflammatory disease
• Rheumatic disease
• Tumoral or malignant pathology
• History of spinal trauma
• Active infection at the time of blood sampling
• Congenital spinal anomalies
• Incomplete clinical, laboratory, or radiological data