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Mid- to Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Lumbar Microdiscectomy in Adolescent Patients: A Descriptive Study
Lawrence Sanchez1,2, Johanna Austeen Gjestland2, Per-Henrik Randsborg2,3
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ålesund Hospital, 6017 Ålesund, Norway.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Lumbar microdiscectomy for adolescent lumbar disc herniation (LDH) shows good long-term results. This surgery offers low disability and pain levels in young patients with LDH.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Spine Surgery
Background:
- Adolescent lumbar disc herniation (ALDH) is uncommon.
- Limited data exists on the long-term surgical outcomes for ALDH.
- This study addresses the need for evidence on surgical management in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the mid- and long-term clinical outcomes of lumbar microdiscectomy in adolescents diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of patients under 19 undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy over 10 years.
- Collected baseline data from electronic patient records and MRI.
- Assessed patient-reported outcomes including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and pain scales (NRS) at follow-up.
Main Results:
- 17 patients (63% participation) with a mean age of 16.9 years were included.
- Mean follow-up was 67.7 months, with mean ODI of 9.5 and low pain scores (NRS back: 2.8, leg: 2.3).
- 82% of patients reported significant improvement or full recovery.
Conclusions:
- Lumbar microdiscectomy demonstrates acceptable mid- to long-term outcomes for adolescent LDH.
- Patients experienced low disability and pain levels over five years post-surgery.
- Findings are comparable to adult outcomes, despite longer pre-operative symptom duration in adolescents.
