An Operative Series of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs

THIS is a review of one hundred cases taken from approximately five hundred cases operated upon in Musgrave Park Hospital during the past twelve years. These cases have been selected because of positive findings of disc prolapse demonstrated at operation. The time from operation varies from twelve years to one year, the average length of follow-up being seven years and the majority of cases being at least five years since operation. In looking at these figures it should be appreciated that considerable filtering of diagnosed cases occur before coming to surgery. Firstly, the general practitioners realize that complete bed rest is often sufficient and a patient arriving at hospital has already had this and perhaps other adjuncts such as plaster of paris casts. It is difficult to estimate, but probably only one-third of the cases with prolapsed discs entering hospital eventually require surgical treatment.