What Is the Average Age for a Discectomy?

How Common Is Spinal Disc Surgery by Age Group?

A discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of a spinal disc that is compressing or irritating a nerve and causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. A discectomy can be performed on any level of the spine, but it is most commonly done in the lower back (lumbar) or the neck (cervical) region.

A discectomy is usually considered as a last resort for treating a herniated or degenerated disc after conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections, have failed or are not suitable. A discectomy may also be indicated for more serious or urgent conditions, such as a spinal infection, tumor, or fracture.

But what is the average age for a discectomy? How does age affect the need, outcome, and risk of a discectomy? In this article you will learn the answers to these questions and more.

The Prevalence and Incidence of Spinal Disc Surgery by Age Group

The prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery by age group can provide an estimate of how common and frequent a discectomy is among different age groups. According to a study of 1.2 million patients who underwent spinal disc surgery in the U.S. from 2000 to 2009, the prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery by age group were as follows:

• The overall prevalence of spinal disc surgery was 4.15 per 1,000 population, with 3.83 for lumbar disc surgery and 0.32 for cervical disc surgery.
• The overall incidence of spinal disc surgery was 0.47 per 1,000 population per year, with 0.43 for lumbar disc surgery and 0.04 for cervical disc surgery.
• The peak prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery were in the 45 to 54 age group, with 7.06 and 0.81 per 1,000 population, respectively.
• The lowest prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery were in the 0 to 14 age group, with 0.07 and 0.01 per 1,000 population, respectively.
• The prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery increased with age until the 45 to 54 age group and then decreased with age thereafter.

The Factors and Reasons for Spinal Disc Surgery by Age Group

The factors and reasons for spinal disc surgery by age group can explain why a discectomy is more or less common and frequent among different age groups. Some of the factors and reasons for spinal disc surgery by age group are:

• The 0 to 14 age group has the lowest prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are rare and usually congenital or traumatic in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as spinal dysraphism, tethered cord syndrome, or spinal cord injury.
• The 15 to 24 age group has a low prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are uncommon and usually related to sports or accidents in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as disc herniation, spondylolysis, or spondylolisthesis.
• The 25 to 44 age group has a moderate prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are more common and usually related to occupational or lifestyle factors in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as disc degeneration, disc herniation, or spinal stenosis.
• The 45 to 54 age group has the highest prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are very common and usually related to aging or wear and tear in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as disc degeneration, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or facet joint arthritis.
• The 55 to 64 age group has a high prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are still common and usually related to aging or comorbidities in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as disc degeneration, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, facet joint arthritis, or osteoporosis.
• The 65 and older age group has a low prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery because spinal disc problems are less common and usually related to other health issues or contraindications in this age group. A discectomy may be performed for conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or spinal infection, but only if the patient is fit and willing to undergo surgery.

The Outcomes and Complications of Spinal Disc Surgery by Age Group

The outcomes and complications of spinal disc surgery by age group can indicate how effective and safe a discectomy is among different age groups. According to a systematic review of 62 studies that evaluated the outcomes and complications of spinal disc surgery by age group, the main findings were as follows:

• The overall outcomes of spinal disc surgery were good, with an average improvement of 70% in pain and 60% in function and an average satisfaction rate of 80%.
• The overall complications of spinal disc surgery were low, with an average rate of 7%, and mostly minor or transient, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.
• The outcomes and complications of spinal disc surgery did not differ significantly by age group, except for the 65 and older age group, which had slightly worse outcomes and slightly higher complications than the younger age groups.
• The outcomes and complications of spinal disc surgery were more influenced by other factors, such as the type and technique of surgery, the duration and severity of symptoms, the comorbidities and general health of the patient, and the expectations and compliance of the patient.

The average age for a discectomy is around 50 years, with a peak in the 45 to 54 age group and a decline thereafter. The prevalence and incidence of spinal disc surgery vary by age group, depending on the factors and reasons for spinal disc surgery, such as the cause and type of spinal disc problem, the severity and duration of symptoms, and the response and preference of the patient. The outcomes and complications of spinal disc surgery are generally good and low, respectively, and do not differ significantly by age group, except for the 65 and older age group, which may have slightly worse outcomes and slightly higher complications than the younger age groups.

If conservative methods do not relieve the pain from a herniated disc, treatment recommendations may include a discectomy or a less invasive microdiscectomy. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, patients with a large hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of reherniation following surgery. Often, the surgeon will not know the size of the hole until beginning surgery, and having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.