[X-ray computed tomographic study of the outcome of lumbar disk hernia after conservative medical treatment (34 cases)].

The subject of this prospective study was to appreciate the natural history of 34 herniated lumbar nucleus pulposus after recovery excluding surgical or intra-discal therapy. First CT scan was performed when radicular pain was worst, second CT between 1 and 32 months after recovery (6 to 40 months after the first CT). After the first 18 months, 18 herniations decreased more than 50% (group I) and 7 less than 25% (group II). Most herniations of group II were large or middle sized and two narrowing of discs were observed between the two CT. Group II was made of small sized herniations and 4 discs out of 7 narrowed. Beyond 18 months, herniations decreased more than 75% excepted one being calcified. Decrease of herniations and of intra-discal pressure were observed in the study. Both could allow recovery.