title: Observations on the natural history of massive lumbar disc herniation.
abstract: We have treated 15 patients with massive lumbar disc herniations non-operatively. Repeat MR scanning after a mean 24 months (5 to 56) showed a dramatic resolution of the herniation in 14 patients. No patient developed a cauda equina syndrome. We suggest that this condition may be more benign than previously thought.
authors.affiliation: Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 7AG, UK. gcribb@hotmail.com
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Cribb
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Jaffray
authors.forename: V N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Cassar-Pullicino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology