BACK AND LEG PAIN IN OLDER ADULTS - PRESENTATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

Back and leg pain in the older population are of diagnostic and therap eutic importance for both primary and tertiary care providers. Careful assessment of the clinical presentation, potential differential diagn osis, and treatment options are essential to optimize outcome results. Well-proven conservative treatment modalities always should be the fi rst regimen after confirmatory diagnostic studies. The available surgi cal treatment options must be used judiciously for the correct indicat ions in suitable patients. A team approach in taking care of this grou p of patients is both essential and rewarding.