Lumbar disc herniation in the elderly

Thirty-two patients older than 60 years underwent surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation over a 10-year period. Other causes of low-back pain and sciatica were investigated, and bony nerve root entrapment syndromes were not included. Sciatica was a predominant symptom and was present in all patients, with 81% showing positive nerve root tension signs. Motor deficit was found in more than half of the cases. A sequestrated disc was present in 50%. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 10 years with an average of 50 months. Eighty-seven percent of the patients had excellent or good results. There were no poor results and no one required reoperation. Lumbar disc herniation in the elderly is not a common problem, but surgery yields a high rate of satisfactory results if a proper investigation and correct diagnosis is obtained.