[Clinical and computed tomographic follow-up of conservatively treated disk prolapse]

Of a total of 238 patients suffering from root compression syndrome, 41 successfully conservatively treated patients were followed up both clinically and via CT. At follow-up time they were all largely free from complaints. 71% showed unchanged prolapse on CT examination. 29% had a moderate or marked regression of disk prolapse. All unchanged cases of prolapse were medial prolapses. The reason for regression of the sequestered disk tissue is discussed controversially and has not been satisfactorily clarified to date. Improvement of findings in unchanged prolapse is mainly explained by the adaptability of the root if there is enough space for shifting.