To investigate the clinical characteristics of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in the elderly, and the outcome of open decompression combined with discectomy.[Methods] From December 1995 to December 2005, a total of 60 patients who were over 60 years of age and suffered from LDH were enrolled in this study. A single underling diseasewas noted in 50.00% (30/60), while multiple comorbidities were found in 41.66% (25/60).Open decompression combined with discectomy was performed in all patients with bony structure preserved as much as possible ifdecompressionsufficient.[Results] All patients were successfully operated on without death and neurovascular injuries. Of them, 56 cases (93.33%) were complicated with lumbar spinal stenosis.After operation, 8 patients (13.33%) presented delirium and other mental abnormalities, which were recovered within 4 days after corresponding treatment.During follow-up lasted for 6 months to 8 years, 4 patients died of a disease unrelated to the surgery. The VAS and ODI scores decreased significantly (P<0.05), while JOA score increased significantlyover time (P< 0.05).At the latest follow-up, 47 patients were completely painless and recovered their pre-disease ability of life, whereas 9 patients had discomfort in some extent during activities with quality of life under the pre-disease level.[Conclusion] The clinical manifestations of LDH in the elderly are not typical, most of them are complicated with underling diseases, and local spinal canal stenosis or spinal deformity.Open decompression combined with discectomy does achieve satisfactory clinical results for the scenarios.