[Characteristics and outcome perspectives of lumbar nerve root decompression in elderly patients]

A series of 14 334 cases with lumbar nerve root compression demonstrated between 1993 and 1998 a growing number of operations in elderly patients. In order to assess the treatment results in this patient group the authors evaluated the retrospective multicenter data and performed a prospective clinical study up to 24 months postoperatively in 44 patients of a single institution. The group of patients older than 60 yrs. have been compared to another group being 30-50 yrs. old. Elderly patients showed a complete remission of palsies in 67% and of sensation disorders in 54% compared to 100% and 88% respectively in younger patients. 60% of the elderly and 54% of the younger patients suffered from pain, but less intensively than pre treatment. The postoperative complication rate in older individuals was higher with 25%. In both groups 90% felt that the result of the treatment was "very good" or "good".