Evaluation of the surgical results for lumbar disc in the pediatric and adolescent population.

During the period of July 1997 to July 2000, twenty patients aged 11-18 years were treated surgically for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation at department of neurosurgery Suez-Canal University to determine the difference between pediatric and adult disc aetiology, symptomatology, surgical findings and its results. This study investigated the incidence, history, clinical findings and radiological assessment of these patients with the results of surgical treatment. The main differential aspects of lumber disc disease between pediatrics and adults were emphasized. The surgical results were excellent [95%] after a follow up period of one year with no complications or instability or deformity. It was concluded that lumber discectomy in the pediatric populations was safe in all cases, very successful with excellent prognostic outcome, complete cure and marked improvements. It should be done as soon as the patient diagnosed because no patient got any improvement whatever the length of conservative therapy period