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[Experiences with lumbar disc herniations in adolescents]
Y Arendt1, S Schorling, D Scale
1Orthopädische Universitätsklinik Stiftung Friedrichsheim, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Ihre Grenzgebiete
|December 12, 2002
Summary
Lumbar disc herniation is uncommon in adolescents, with multifactoral causes and distinct symptoms compared to adults. Conservative treatment is recommended initially, with surgery considered only if conservative methods fail.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Spine Surgery
Context:
- Adolescent lumbar disc herniation is rare and often misdiagnosed.
- Understanding differences in etiology, symptoms, and treatment outcomes compared to adults is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the unique characteristics of lumbar disc herniation in patients under 20 years old.
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of both conservative and surgical treatments.
Summary:
- A study analyzed 51 adolescents with 79 lumbar disc herniations, noting a 14.3-month diagnostic delay.
- Etiology and symptoms differ from adults, with trauma/microtrauma reported in 28% and spinal aberrations in 49%.
- Both conservative (27 patients) and surgical (24 patients) approaches yielded high success rates (94% excellent/good at discharge), with similar long-term outcomes and return to normal activity.
Impact:
- Highlights the multifactorial etiology of adolescent lumbar disc herniation.
- Supports conservative management as the primary treatment strategy.
- Provides evidence for favorable long-term outcomes with both treatment modalities, guiding clinical decision-making.