The localization of protruded lumbar discs in advancing age.

The Leiden case material of 6,565 protruded/herniated discs is analyzed with regard to age and localization. It appears that a positive correlation exists between these two parameters: in advancing age the protruded disc shows an apparent shift in localization to higher lumbar levels, the incidence of its localization at the L5-S1 level decreasing markedly at the same time.