Lumbar discal herniation in the elderly: long-term results of chymopapain chemonucleolysis

Very few reports in the literature have dealt with lumbar disc herniation in the elderly and its treatment by chymopapain chemonucleolysis. Between September 1981 and May 1991, 42 patients aged between 60 and 80 years were treated by chemonucleolysis for lumbar disc herniation. The clinical symptoms and signs, similar to those observed in younger patients, were well correlated with a clear picture of discal herniation on the CT scan without any associated stenosis. At the last follow-up (mean 4.5 years) satisfactory results were obtained in 78% of the patients. No complication were observed. It is concluded that in the rare cases of discal herniation in the elderly, chymopapain chemonucleolysis should be considered as a safe and efficacious alternative to surgery.