Author/Authors :
Karabekir, Hamit S. Afyon Kocatepe University - School of Medicine - Department of Neurosurgery , Emel, Erhan Vakif Gureba Hospital - Department of Neurosurgery , Atar, Elmas K. Yeditepe University - School of Medicine - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey , Yildizhan, Ahmet Yeditepe University - School of Medicine - Department of Neurosurgery, Turkey
Abstract :
Objective: To evaluate the influenceof the patients age on preoperativesymptoms and outcome.Methods: The general data, symptoms,signs, and neurological examinationfindings were recorded from 511patients between 2000 and 2006 atVakif Gureba Hospital and AfyonKocatepe University NeurosurgeryDepartments, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey.The mean follow-up of the patients was44.7 months. All patients younger than64 were defined as younger patients(n=449). The others were defined aselderly patients (n=62). The measuringmethod of the outcome was visualanalogue rating scale (VAS).Results: Preoperative and postoperativeVAS values were found similar in boththe younger and older group. Onlypreoperative differences were foundin the older group, due to systemicdisease.Conclusion: The outcome wasnot statistically different in bothgroups, indicating that age is not avaluable prognostic factor for lumbardiscectomy
