Disc herniation in young patients is rare, but it can happen. When it does, discectomy (removal of the disc) may be required. In this study the long-term results of 26 patients ages 12 to 17 years old who had a simple discectomy are reported. The patients were followed for at least three years. Some had surgery as much as 21 years earlier.
Telephone interviews were done to gather data from the patients. Patients from three spine centers were included. All were treated conservatively at first with medications, physical therapy, and activity modification such as avoiding sports activities. Surgery was done after at least three to four months of nonoperative care.
Results were based on current symptoms and level of function. Half the patients reported excellent results. A total of 65 per cent were considered ‘excellent’ to ‘good’. The rest of the group reported ‘moderate’ to ‘poor’ results. About 15 per cent of the patients had to have a second operation. Most of the patients had minimal disability and held sedentary jobs.
The authors say that diagnosing disc problems in children and teens can be difficult. Symptoms often come and go and don’t always look like a disc herniation. CT scans or MRIs may be needed to show if there is a slipped portion of the growth area around the bone in children called slipped apophysis.
Long-term results of discectomy in this group are similar to outcomes in adults. Discectomy for young patients can be managed in the same way it’s done for adults with the same problem.