Lumbar disc herniation surgery in children: outcome and gender differences.

Abstract

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in children is rare. Few studies have evaluated the outcome of surgery and none in a prospective study design. To evaluate preoperative disability and postoperative outcome in children operated on for LDH. Through a 10-year period, 74 children aged <18 years were included in SweSpine register for LDH with pre- and perioperative data registered, 48 with 1-year follow-up data. Demographics and outcome measurements were described according to the SweSpine protocol. All patients reported preoperatively severe impairment in terms of pain, quality of life and function, girls to a higher extent. Significant postoperative improvement was seen in all patients, leaving no patients dissatisfied with outcome. The PROMS were 1 year after surgery within normal ranges, but remained slightly lower for girls. Operative treatment of LDH in growing individuals leads to very good outcome with high degree of patient satisfaction.