Protrusion of upper lumbar intervertebral discs (long term follow-up of operated cases).
Fifteen operated cases of upper lumbar disc prolapse have been reviewed. They were categorised under 4 types of clinical presentation. There was no clear correlation between the level of the prolapse, clinical presentation, and type of disc prolapse as observed at surgery. On long term follow-up 11 of the 15 (73%) cases had an excellent result and were leading a normal life. The result is poor in patients with severe paraplegia.