Lumbar disc herniation: Epidemiology, clinical and radiologic diagnosis WFNS spine committee recommendations

Objective To formulate the most current, evidence-based recommendations regarding the epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, and radiographic diagnosis of lumbar herniated disk (LDH). Methods A systematic literature search in PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL was performed from 2012 to 2022 using the search terms “herniated lumbar disc”, “epidemiology”, “prevention” “clinical diagnosis”, and “radiological diagnosis”. Screening criteria resulted in 17, 16, and 90 studies respectively that were analyzed regarding epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, and radiographic diagnosis of LDH. Using the Delphi method and two rounds of voting at two separate international meetings, ten members of the WFNS (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies) Spine Committee generated eleven final consensus statements. Results The lifetime risk for symptomatic LDH is 1–3%; of these, 60–90% resolve spontaneously. Risk factors for LDH include genetic and environmental factors, strenuous activity, and smoking. LDH is more common in males and in 30–50 year olds. A set of clinical tests, including manual muscle testing, sensory testing, Lasegue sign, and crossed Lasegue sign are recommended to diagnose LDH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for confirming suspected LDH. Conclusions These eleven final consensus statements provide current, evidence-based guidelines on the epidemiology, clinical diagnosis, and radiographic diagnosis of LDH for practicing spine surgeons worldwide.