[Lumbar disc disease in adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Spine Surgery

Background:

• Intervertebral disc herniation (IDH) is a common neurosurgical condition, predominantly affecting adults.
• IDH in pediatric and adolescent populations is infrequently reported.
• While genetic factors are considered, family history was absent in the studied adolescent cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics and surgical outcomes of intervertebral disc herniation in adolescents.
• To analyze the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and pathological features of adolescent IDH.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical intervention for IDH in this age group.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of ten adolescent patients (ages 12-16) with IDH operated between 1988 and 1998.
• All cases were associated with sports activities.
• Diagnosis confirmed via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); pathological examination of herniated discs was performed.

Main Results:

• Herniated discs were located in L4-L5 or L5-S1 intervertebral spaces, predominantly posterolateral (81.5%) and subligamental.
• Pathological findings revealed elastic consistency and high water content without degenerative changes.
• Microscopic removal of herniated discs resulted in complete and sustained pain relief postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Intervertebral disc herniation is uncommon in adolescents.
• Surgical treatment for adolescent IDH yields excellent outcomes with complete recovery.
• Posterolateral and subligamental locations are characteristic of adolescent disc herniations.