Juvenile lumbar discs.

One hundred and two patients, ages 10-18 years, were operated upon for herniated lumbar discs. Until age 17, the male-to-female ratio was even. A significant relationship was found between traumatic etiology and the occurrence of free disc rupture. Disc material was found outside the annular ligament in more than half of the patients. Results of surgical excision have been excellent in 95% of cases. Same level recurrence remains below 3%.