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Lumbar disc herniation surgery in children: outcome and gender differences
Fredrik Strömqvist1, Björn Strömqvist2, Bo Jönsson2
1Clinical and Molecular Osteoporosis Research Unit, Departments of Clinical Sciences and Orthopaedics, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, SE-205 02, Malmö, Sweden. fredrik.stromqvist@med.lu.se.
Insights
Surgery for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in children yields excellent results. Patients experience significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life after operative treatment for pediatric LDH.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Limited prospective research exists on surgical outcomes for pediatric LDH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess preoperative disability in children undergoing surgery for LDH.
- To evaluate the postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction following surgical intervention for pediatric LDH.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year prospective study included 74 children (<18 years) with LDH from the SweSpine register.
- Preoperative and perioperative data were collected, with 48 patients having 1-year follow-up data.
- Demographics and outcome measures followed the SweSpine protocol.
Main Results:
- Preoperatively, all patients reported severe pain, reduced quality of life, and functional impairment, more pronounced in girls.
- Significant postoperative improvements were observed across all patients, with no reported dissatisfaction.
- Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) returned to normal ranges within 1 year, though slightly lower for girls.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation in growing individuals results in highly favorable outcomes.
- Pediatric patients operated on for LDH demonstrate high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
Introduction:
Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in children is rare. Few studies have evaluated the outcome of surgery and none in a prospective study design.
Purpose:
To evaluate preoperative disability and postoperative outcome in children operated on for LDH.
Methods:
Through a 10-year period, 74 children aged <18 years were included in SweSpine register for LDH with pre- and perioperative data registered, 48 with 1-year follow-up data. Demographics and outcome measurements were described according to the SweSpine protocol.
Results:
All patients reported preoperatively severe impairment in terms of pain, quality of life and function, girls to a higher extent. Significant postoperative improvement was seen in all patients, leaving no patients dissatisfied with outcome. The PROMS were 1 year after surgery within normal ranges, but remained slightly lower for girls.
Conclusion:
Operative treatment of LDH in growing individuals leads to very good outcome with high degree of patient satisfaction.
