[Lumbar intervertebral disk prolapse in adolescents]

We investigated the incidence, history, clinical findings and results of treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in adolescents. During the period January 1992 to medio March 1995 we operated on 20 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (3.4% of all cases of lumbar disc herniation). In the case of five patients there was a delay of more than a year before the correct diagnosis was made. Ten women and ten men were operated on. Median time from start of symptoms to operation was 1 year (1 month-5 years). The dominant symptom was back pain with radiating pain (17/ 20). The straight leg raising test was positive in 19/20. Seven of the patients had scoliosis. The levels of herniation were ten in the 4th lumbar disc and nine in the 5th lumbar disc. The results were excellent or good in all patients, except in one patient in whom no disc herniation had been found. Lumbar disc herniation in adolescents should be considered in the case of back pain and radiating pain to one or both legs. Investigation and treatment should follow the same guidelines as for adults. The short-term results of surgical treatment are good.