Abstract: Background: As per European studies the incidence of a herniated disc is about 5 to 20 cases per 1000 adults annually and is most common in people in their third to the fifth decade of life, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The estimated prevalence of symptomatic herniated disc of the lumbar spine is about 1-3 percent of patients. Epidemiology of lumbar disc disease among Indian population needing operative intervention is not clear.
Aim: To study the Epidemiology of lumbar disc disease among Indian population needing operative intervention.
Material and Methods: In this prospective study all the adult (above 18 years) age group presenting with lumbar disc lesion and canal stenosis admitted in orthopaedic department of Tertiary Care Centre satisfying inclusion were taken for study after obtaining their consent.
Results: Out of 120 patients 25% patients needed and rest were managed by conservative line of management. The more common age group affected was 40 to 60 years age group (53.33%). Gender distribution has a male predominance (73.33%) compare to females (26.66%). Majority of the cases studied were presented with low backache, radiculopathy and paraesthesia. Majority having L4-L5 disc involvement (70%).
Conclusion: Out of 120 patients 30 (25%) patients needed operative intervention and rest were managed by conservative line of management. All patients with lumbar disc lesion needs conservative trial. Only if conservative trial fails or patient with persistent disabilating pain or neurological deficit are subjected to operative intervention. Majorly affect 40 to 60 years age group with mean of 44.9 years & males outnumbering females in incidence with majority involving L4-L5 disc level.
