[Too old for a lumbar hernia operation]

Three patients, one male aged 81 and two females aged 77 and 81, showed a lumbar disc herniation at CT-scan and caudographic examination. Because conservative treatment was unsuccessful and their premorbid health was good, it was decided to perform an operation. All subjects recovered completely, there were no surgical complications. In patients over the age of 70 showing signs and symptoms of nerve root compression one should consider disc herniation. If this is found, surgery is a reliable option despite advanced age. Pre- operative health state is determinative for the decision whether or not to operate on patients of advanced age.