Intervertebral lumbar disc prolapse in children and adolescents

The radiographs and records of 58 cases of lumbar disc prolapse in children and adolescents were reviewed, and 28 cases were followed up after an average of 6.8 years. Trauma was not a significant aetiological factor, but there was a high incidence of back pain in relatives of affected patients. The clinical picture is similar to that in the adult except for a relative paucity of neurological signs. This review of patients treated by surgical or conservative methods suggests that good results may be obtained in patients with a short history who are offered surgery early. Preoperative radiculography is considered to be essential because of the inaccuracy in localising the level of disc prolapse by clinical signs. The result of treatment in patients with long histories is usually disappointing.