[Lumbar disk hernia in children and adolescents].

Of 3,946 patients with lumbar disc herniation, who were operated on from 1980 to 1987 at the Clinic of Neurosurgery of the University of Innsbruck, 11 consecutive patients (0.27%) were younger than 19 years. In 9 patients (82%) there was radicular pain; in 90% the straight-leg raising test was positive, in 36% there was clear relation trauma to the onset of symptoms. Water-soluble contrast myelography or computerized tomography were used to confirm the diagnosis, in 36% both investigations. In 91% the surgical procedure was unilateral partial hemilaminectomy and in one case a laminectomy. In all cases a good or excellent result could be achieved.