• H Ishihara, H Matsui, N Hirano, and H Tsuji.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
• Spine. 1997 Sep 1; 22 (17): 2044-9.

Study DesignIn this retrospective study, the long-term clinical results of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children less than 16 years of age were reviewed.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment including posterior discectomy, extraperitoneal anterolateral discectomy, and anterior interbody fusion for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children less than 16 years of age.Summary Of Background DataAlthough previous follow-up studies on surgically managed lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in children and adolescents generally reveal good outcomes, few reports have focused on the time course of clinical findings and the long-term results.MethodsThe outcome of subjective symptoms, clinical signs, and time-related change of the intervertebral disc space in 11 patients were evaluated with an average follow-up period of 9 years (range, 5-12 years).ResultsThe posterior discectomy procedure relieved clinical symptoms quickly. In the case of central herniation with or without intervertebral instability, extraperitoneal anterolateral discectomy or anterior interbody fusion led to favorable long-term results. Clinical symptoms (lower back pain, leg pain) and neurologic disturbance disappeared within 3 months after surgery. Recovery of normal straight leg raising test results (tight hamstrings), however, required much more time than recovery of other symptoms. Narrowing of the intervertebral disc space progressed up to 3-6 months after discectomy, but then disc space widening occurred.ConclusionsSatisfactory long-term clinical results and early return to school life were obtained with each surgical procedure. It is important to aim toward an early return to school via surgical treatment.

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