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Lumbar disc protrusion in children

R G Fisher, R L Saunders

    Journal of Neurosurgery
    |April 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Surgically treated lumbar disc protrusion in young patients (21 or younger) showed good outcomes, with a 10% reoperation rate within 3 years. Early diagnosis and myelography are recommended for pediatric back and sciatic pain.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurosurgery
    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Spinal Surgery

    Background:

    • Lumbar disc protrusion is uncommon in pediatric patients but can cause significant back and sciatic pain.
    • Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary for managing this condition in younger individuals.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the outcomes of surgically treated lumbar disc protrusion in patients aged 21 years or younger.
    • To evaluate the long-term results and complications associated with this surgical procedure in a pediatric and adolescent population.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of 43 surgically treated cases of lumbar disc protrusion.
    • Inclusion criteria: patients aged 21 years or younger at the time of surgery.
    • Data collection included symptoms, signs, myelograms, surgical findings, and follow-up information.

    Main Results:

    • Generally good outcomes were observed in the majority of patients.
    • Ten percent of patients required reoperation within a 3-year follow-up period.
    • No major surgical complications were reported during the follow-up, which ranged from 4 to 30 years.

    Conclusions:

    • Lumbar disc protrusion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients presenting with back and sciatic pain.
    • Early myelography is advised for refractory cases to confirm diagnosis.
    • Surgical and clinical presentations in young patients are often similar to those seen in adult patients with disc protrusion.

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