Two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without clinical symptoms or signs in the upper extremities.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There is no report in the literature of two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis/paralysis exclusively in the bilateral lower extremities. PURPOSE: To identify the clinical characteristics of specific myelopathy resulting from C6-C7 disc herniation through a case with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without upper extremities symptoms due to separate disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine, which was surgically removed in two stages. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A case report. METHODS: A 48-year-old man developed a gait disturbance as well as weakness and numbness in the lower extremities. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a T11-T12 disc herniation, which was removed under the surgical microscope through a minimally invasive posterior approach. He improved, but 2 months after surgery developed recurrent numbness and spasticity. On this occasion, no evidence of recurrence of the thoracic disc herniation could be identified, but cervical MRI demonstrated a compressed spinal cord at the C6-C7 level. The patient had no neurological findings in the upper extremities. The herniated disc at C6-C7 was removed under the surgical microscope with laminoplasty. RESULTS: The symptoms gradually improved after surgery. At the present time, 2 years and 9 months after the initial operation, the patient had a stable gait and was able to work. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that in the diagnosis of patients with spastic paresis and sensory disturbances in the lower extremities, spinal cord compression should be explored by imaging studies not only in the thoracic spine but also in the cervical spine, especially at the C6-C7 level, even if the symptoms and abnormal neurological findings are absent in the upper extremities.     

A single spinal lesion arising from an intradural meningioma contiguous with an extradural lymphoma

The authors describe here a unique case of contiguous, synchronous meningioma and lymphoma in the spinal column. Both tumors were present at the same vertebral level, one intradural and the other extradural. A patient presented with bilateral leg pain, acute weakness, and sensory loss in the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural mass at T6-7 with ambiguous boundaries relative to the thecal sac and compressing the spinal cord. The patient underwent resection of the epidural and intradural mass at T6-7. Histopathology revealed the epidural specimen to be a double-hit B-cell lymphoma and the intradural mass to be a transitional meningioma. Postoperatively, the patient did well, with an immediate return of strength and sensation. A postoperative MR image showed complete resection of the intradural mass. The authors suggest that biopsy may be prudent in patients with known systemic lymphoma presenting with a spinal lesion that has unclear boundaries relative to the thecal sac prior to commencing radiation and chemotherapy.     

Thoracic disc herniation mimicking acute lumbar disc disease

STUDY DESIGN: Case report of a 49-year-old woman with a lower thoracic disc herniation mimicking acute lumbosacral radiculopathy. OBJECTIVE: To describe an unusual case of thoracic disc herniation mimicking acute lumbar disc disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation is rare and its clinical manifestations differ widely from those of cervical and lumbar disc herniations. Midline back pain and signs of spinal cord compression progressing over months or years are the predominant clinical features. Acute and subacute thoracic disc herniation occurs in less than 10% of patients, and isolated root pain is unusual. METHODS: A 49-year-old woman had acute low back pain radiation into the left buttock and the lateral aspect of the left leg and left foot. Magnetic resonance imaging study showed a bulging disc and posterior osteophytes at T11-T12. RESULTS: Surgical removal of the herniated disc and osteophytes rapidly relieved her symptoms and neurologic deficits. A follow-up neurologic examination 3 years later showed normal motor and sensory functions, although low back soreness was noted occasionally. CONCLUSION: A case of thoracic disc herniation mimicking an acute lumbosacral radiculopathy is presented. Compression of the lumbosacral spinal nerve roots at the lower thoracic level after exit from the lumbar enlargement may be the mechanism for this unusual presentation.     

Dorsally sequestrated thoracic disc herniation--case report

A 53-year-old male presented with a rare dorsally sequestrated thoracic disc herniation manifesting as acute low back pain and weakness. He had no history of trauma. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a mass at T10-11 intervertebral level connected with the T-10 disc. Axial MR imaging showed the mass had surrounded and compressed the dural sac from the lateral and dorsal sites. MR imaging with gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid showed slight rim enhancement of the lesion. Computed tomography detected no abnormal calcification. The diagnosis was thoracic disc herniation. Laminectomy resulted in rapid and satisfactory recovery. The histological diagnosis was thoracic disc herniation. MR imaging was very effective for the diagnosis based on the connection between the mass and the disc space. The differential diagnosis includes metastatic epidural tumor, epidural hematoma, and epidural abscess.     

Primary spinal extradural hydatid cyst in a child: case report and review of the literature

Spinal hydatid cyst is a rare but serious condition. An 8-year-old boy presented with back pain, progressive weakness and numbness in both legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar region showed a cystic lesion with regular contour located in extradural space. There was cerebrospinal fluid- (CSF-) like signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. The lesion had excessively compressed the dural sac and caudal roots, and expanded to the L3 and L4 neural foramina. The case was explored with L2, L3, L4 laminectomy and the hydatid cyst was removed totally. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of this rare case of spinal hydatid disease is discussed, and all available cases of primary extradural hydatid cyst reported in the literature are presented.     

Dorsal Epidural Intervertebral Disk Herniation With Atypical Radiographic Findings: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background/Objective: Intervertebral disk herniation is relatively common. Migration usually occurs in the ventral epidural space; rarely, disks migrate to the dorsal epidural space due to the natural anatomical barriers of the thecal sac.

Design: Case report.

Findings: A 49-year-old man presented with 1 week of severe back pain with bilateral radiculopathy to the lateral aspect of his lower extremities and weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and toe extensors. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium revealed a peripheral enhancing dorsal epidural lesion with severe compression of the thecal sac. Initial differential diagnosis included spontaneous hematoma, synovial cyst, and epidural abscess. Posterior lumbar decompression was performed; intraoperatively, the lesion was identified as a large herniated disk fragment.

Conclusions: Dorsal migration of a herniated intervertebral disk is rare and may be difficult to definitively diagnose preoperatively. Dorsal disk migration may present in a variety of clinical scenarios and, as in this case, may mimic other epidural lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.     

Lumbar intervertebral disc cyst as a cause of radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbar radiculopathy is commonly caused by degenerative conditions such as a herniated disc or lumbar spinal stenosis. Less common etiologies include intraspinal extradural masses such as synovial cysts and gas-containing ganglion cysts. Intraspinal extradural cysts that communicate with the intervertebral disc are a rare entity and thus, an uncommon cause of lumbar radiculopathy. There are only ten cases of an intervertebral disc cyst reported in the literature. PURPOSE: To document the first reported case of an intervertebral disc cyst in North America. Two series of Japanese patients with intervertebral disc cyst confirmed radiographically and intraoperatively have recently been reported. STUDY DESIGN: A case report of an intervertebral disc cyst at L4-5 causing an L5 radiculopathy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Japanese Orthopaedic Association score for low back pain. METHODS: The patient and the authors involved in the patient's management were interviewed. All medical records, radiographic imaging studies, intraoperative findings, and pertinent literature were also reviewed. RESULTS: Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated a well-localized cyst compressing the ventral aspect of the thecal sac at L4-L5. Discography and subsequent computed tomographic (CT) scanning demonstrated the cyst communicating with an intervertebral disc herniation via an annular rupture. Decompressive discectomy and surgical excision of the disc cyst from the spinal canal resulted in complete recovery and resolution of the preoperative radiculopathy. Clinical improvement was documented using the JOA scoring system. Patient's preoperative score was 4/15, and postoperative score was 15/15. CONCLUSION: Although exceedingly rare, an intervertebral disc cyst should remain in the differential diagnosis of any extradural intraspinal mass ventral to the thecal sac. Diagnosis of an intervertebral disc cyst requires recognition of this uncommon entity and a high index of suspicion. Discography and post-discography computerized tomography (CT) scan confirm the diagnosis. Operative treatment includes decompression, and excision of the cyst and is reserved only for cases in which the cyst results in clinical symptoms unresponsive to nonoperative management.     

Spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation--case report.

A 54-year-old female presented with spontaneous thoracic spinal cord herniation manifesting as chronic progressive motor weakness in both legs. Spastic paraparesis (4/5) and pathological reflexes such as ankle clonus were noted. She also had mild bladder dysfunction but no bowel dysfunction. She had no sensory disturbance, including tactile and pinprick sense. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed that the atrophic spinal cord was displaced into the ventral extradural space at the T4-5 intervertebral level with markedly dilated dorsal subarachnoid space. Computed tomography obtained after myelography showed no evidence of intradural spinal arachnoid cyst. She underwent surgical repair of the spinal cord herniation via laminectomy, and spinal cord herniation through the ventral dural defect was confirmed. Postoperative MR imaging revealed improvement of the spinal cord herniation, but her symptoms were not improved. Spontaneous spinal cord herniation is a rare cause of chronic myelopathy, occurring in the upper and mid-thoracic levels, and the spinal cord is usually herniated into the ventral extradural space. Early differential diagnosis from intradural spinal arachnoid cysts is important for a satisfactory outcome.     

Dorsal Epidural Intervertebral Disk Herniation With Atypical Radiographic Findings: Case Report and Literature Review

Background/Objective:

Intervertebral disk herniation is relatively common. Migration usually occurs in the ventral epidural space; rarely, disks migrate to the dorsal epidural space due to the natural anatomical barriers of the thecal sac.

Design:

Case report.

Findings:

A 49-year-old man presented with 1 week of severe back pain with bilateral radiculopathy to the lateral aspect of his lower extremities and weakness of the ankle dorsiflexors and toe extensors. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium revealed a peripheral enhancing dorsal epidural lesion with severe compression of the thecal sac. Initial differential diagnosis included spontaneous hematoma, synovial cyst, and epidural abscess. Posterior lumbar decompression was performed; intraoperatively, the lesion was identified as a large herniated disk fragment.

Conclusions:

Dorsal migration of a herniated intervertebral disk is rare and may be difficult to definitively diagnose preoperatively. Dorsal disk migration may present in a variety of clinical scenarios and, as in this case, may mimic other epidural lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.     

Upper thoracic disc herniation followed by acutely progressing paraplegia

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a rare thoracic intervertebral disc herniation followed by acutely progressing paraplegia. SETTING: Spinal Injuries Center, Fukuoka, Japan. METHOD: A 37-year-old man presented with sudden severe backache and acutely progressing motor impairments of both lower extremities after antecedent backache lasting about 5 days. Neurological examination showed analgesia and hypoesthesia below the T4 dermatome level, dysesthesia to pinprick below right inguinal level, and severe motor impairments of the lower extremities (Frankel classification C). Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated spinal cord compression due to a postero-laterally existing epidural mass at the T2-T3 level. After laminectomy at the T2-T3 level, the sequestrated disc material was detected and excised as one piece through the right side of the dura. The excised herniated mass had a ring-like form and was thought to originate from the annulus fibrosis. RESULT: After the emergency surgery, he had complete relief from the backache and control of both lower extremities recovered gradually. At 4 weeks after the emergent operation, motor power of both lower extremities recovered almost completely. He was able to walk without any assistance. MR imaging study after surgery did not reveal the sequestrated mass, except for a mild disc bulging at the T2-T3 level. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis of acute symptomatic thoracic disc herniation is occasionally difficult. However, timely and successful surgery could result in complete symptom relief and satisfactory results.     

The protrusion of thoracic intervertebral disc-thoracic spondylosis (author's transl)]

The protrusion of cervical intervertebral discs was divided into three pathological entities by Spurling; soft disc, hard disc and spondylosis. We applied these concept to the dorsal intervertebral disc disease and treated two cases of thoracic spondylosis. Case 1. A 41-year-old male entered the hospital because of the gradual progression of weakness of both legs of two months' duration. Since ten days before admission he had not had an errection and had not been to able to walk and micturate. He also complained of paresthesia radiating down the abdomen into both legs. There were no visceral complaints. Neurological examination revealed severe weakness of both legs with bilateral impairment of deep sensations and hypalgesia up to the level of T6. Reflexes in both legs were hyperactive with sustained clonus. Plantar responses were extensor bilaterally. Though plain X-rays showed no changes, tomography revealed a calcified intervertebral spur formation at the T5-6 interspace. A myelogram showed a complete block of the contrast medium at the level of the upper part of T6. The patient underwent a complete laminectomy from T3 through T6 and extradural anterior decompression with the removal of the calcified disc at the T5-6 interspace using an air drill. Postoperatively, he demonstrated an immediate improvement in sensation and a gradual recovery in motor power. At his follow-up examination 14 months after surgery he could walk without assistance. Case 2. A 47-year-old dwarfish woman (130 cm) with a low back pain and difficulty in walking for a few years duration was admitted. A few months before admission she felt pain at her left lateral abdomen. There was weakness of both legs, greater in the left. Reflexes in her left lower extremity were hyperactive with sustained clonus. Plantar responces were flexor bilaterally. Palin X-rays showed scoliosis of thoracic spine with the top at T7 level and calcified intervertebral masses at T10-11, T11-12 and T12-L1, extending into the canal that were confirmed more clearly by tomography. Myelography by a cisternal puncture disclosed a complete block at the level of T10. The patient underwent total laminectomy of T9 through L2 and extradural anterior decompression with the removal of calcified discs. At her follow-up examination 12 months after surgery she could walk for herself with some residual neurological signs, minimal weakness in the right leg and hypesthesia up to the level of T12 in the left. We have discussed the incidental, related diagnostic and operative problems of this disease.     

Retro-odontoid disc herniation extracted using the posterior-lateral transdural approach: case report

A 73-year-old woman suffered from neck pain, progressive m tor weakness and sensory disturbance in all extremities. Neuroradiological studies revealed a retro-odontoid mass with posterior compression of the upper cervical spinal cord. Decompression of the mass was performed via a postero-lateral transdural approach, and the patient exhibited marked improvement of the symptoms. Histological examination revealed that the mass was composed of degenerative cartilaginous tissue, consistent with disc material, but the lesion was not neoplastic. Retro-odontoid disc herniation causing cervical myelopathy is very rare. We primarily discuss the surgical management of retro-odontoid disc herniation.     

经胸腔侧前方入路治疗胸椎间盘突出症

本文报告经胸腔侧前方入路切除椎间盘治疗胸椎间盘突出症９例。均为中央型和旁中央型，经过脊髓造影、ＣＴＭ或ＭＲＩ检查确诊。随访１～４年，平均２年１０个月。根据Ｏｔａｎｉ分级方法标准，结果为优３例，良５例，一般１例，优良率达８９％，获得较满意效果。采用ＣＴＭ或ＭＲＩ诊断胸椎间盘突出有较高价值。该手术方法直接、充分地显露硬膜囊和神经结构，切除突出的椎间盘和刮除骨赘，减压较安全有效，同时对脊柱的稳定性和脊髓的血供影响较小。作者认为经胸腔侧前方入路进行椎间盘切除减压是治疗胸椎间盘突出症的一种安全有效的方法。     

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with calcified thoracic disc extrusion--case report

A 48-year-old man presented with idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with calcified thoracic disc extrusion at the T7-8 intervertebral level, manifesting as Brown-Sequard syndrome at the thoracic level persisting for 20 years. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography revealed ventral displacement of the spinal cord and extrusion of a calcified disc at the T7-8 intervertebral level. At surgery, the spinal cord herniation at this level was released from the dura mater and carefully returned to the dural sac. An extruded calcified thoracic disc was found just below the dural defect at the same level. The development of idiopathic spinal cord herniation is associated closely with a defect in the ventral dura mater of unknown etiology. In our case, the etiology of the ventral dural defect was probably associated with the calcified thoracic disc extrusion.     

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation associated with intervertebral disc extrusion: a case report and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN: A case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation is reported, and the literature is reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of thoracic spinal cord herniation with a ventral dural defect, probably caused by thoracic disc extrusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recently, reports of spinal cord herniation have been increasing. This increase can be attributed to the development of magnetic resonance imaging and increased awareness of this entity. However, the cause of the ventral dural defect remains unknown. METHODS: A 54-year-old woman had experienced Brown-Séquard syndrome for 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an S-shaped anterior kinking of the spinal cord, with dilation of the dorsal subarachnoid space. RESULTS: After incision of the dural sac and gentle retraction of the spinal cord, a dural defect was recognized into which the spinal cord had herniated. An extruded disc was visualized through the defect at T3-T4. The ventral dural defect and the dorsal incision of the dural sac were repaired with a fascial graft from the thigh. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative findings suggest that the thoracic disc herniation in the current case was the probable cause of the ventral dural defect. Surgical reconstruction using double fascial graft under careful spinal cord monitoring resulted in a satisfactory neurologic recovery.     

Spinal cord compression due to multivel thoracic disc herniation: surgical decompression using a "combined" approach. A case report and review of the literature

A case presenting with signs of spinal cord compression due to double contiguous thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is reported. A 66-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of intermittent episodes of weakness and numbness in the lower extremities, and urinary dysfunction. Six weeks prior to admission complete paraplegia developed. The diagnosis was established by MRI. Treatment consisted of complete excision of the herniated discs (T8-T9 and T9-T10) and decompression of the spinal cord with a right transpedicular approach combined with standard posterior approach. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the improvement was dramatic. We also include a review of other 39 case reports from the literature. This article highlights the importance of consideration of TDH when one deals with a case with an anterior mass causing spinal cord compression.     

A case of a large thoracic epidural hourglass neurinoma, incidentally detected on routine chest roentgenogram--with respect to the surgical approach

In case of the advanced extension into the thoracic cavity, it has been difficult to remove a large thoracic spinal hourglass tumor by conventional laminectomy, even adding costotransversectomy, due to high risk of injuring diverse important vessels and other organs by blind manipulation. A case of a large thoracic spinal hourglass neurinoma with advanced extension into the mediastinum is presented. A 49-year-old female was admitted for the further examination of the left mediastinal tumor, incidentally detected on routine chest roentgenogram, which was suspected as the part of spinal hourglass tumor. Her neurological examination was normal except hyperreflexia of bilateral lower extremities. Plain chest roentgenogram showed a left mediastinal mass behind the aortic arch and the descending aorta, which slightly enlarged in size, compared with its previous size in the chest film taken 3 years ago. Thoracic spine tomogram showed the destruction of the left pedicle of T4, the absorption of posterior aspect of the T4 vertebral body and the dilatation of the left intervertebral foramen between T4-T5. Myelogram showed the complete block of dye column at T4. Metrizamide CT scan revealed the large extradural hourglass tumor, which compressed the dural theca anterolaterally and extended through the dilated left T4-T5 intervertebral foramen into the left mediastinum and attached to the descending aorta. Two stage operation, the first for the removal of the left mediastinal tumor by transthoracic approach and the second for intraspinal canal tumor by posterior approach, was performed with success for this large thoracic spinal hourglass tumor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Symptoms of thoracolumbar junction disc herniation.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical review of patients with thoracolumbar junction disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical features of thoracolumbar junction disc herniation and to prepare a chart for the level diagnosis in the neurologic findings and symptoms. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracolumbar junction disc herniations show a variety of signs and symptoms because of the complexity of the upper and lower neurons of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and nerve roots. Furthermore, much is still unknown about thoracolumbar junction disc herniations because of their rare frequency. METHODS: The clinical features of 26 patients who had undergone operations for single disc herniations at T10-T11 through L2-L3 were investigated. Affected levels were as follows: 2 patients with disc herniation at T10-T11 disc, 4 patients at T11-T12, 3 patients at T12-L1, 6 patients at L1-L2, and 11 patients at L2-L3. The level of disc space of interest was confirmed with whole-spine plain roentgenograms. The caudal end of the cord was judged by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomographic myelogram. RESULTS: Two patients with T10-T11 disc herniation showed moderate lower extremity weakness, increased patellar tendon reflex, and sensory disturbance of the entire lower extremities. Three of four patients with T11-T12 disc herniation experienced lower extremity weakness, and three patients had accentuated patellar tendon reflex. Sensory disturbance was observed in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh in one patient and on the entire leg in three patients. Bowel and bladder dysfunction was noted in three patients. In the T12-L1 disc herniation group (n = 3), muscle weakness and atrophy below the leg were advanced, and bowel and bladder dysfunction were also noted. Two of these three patients had bilateral drop foot, and one patient had unilateral drop foot; sensory disturbance was noted in the sole or foot and around the circumference of the anus, and the patellar tendon reflex and Achilles tendon reflex were absent. All six patients with L1-L2 disc herniation showed severe thigh pain and sensory disturbance at the anterior aspect or lateral aspect of the thigh. On the other hand, there were no clear signs of lower extremity weakness, muscle atrophy, deep tendon reflex, or bowel and bladder dysfunction in these patients. In the L2-L3 disc herniation group (n = 11), all patients had severe thigh pain and sensory disturbance of the anterior aspect or the lateral aspect of the thigh. Weakness in the quadriceps was noted in five patients and weakness in the tibialis anterior in two patients. Decreased or absence of patellar tendon reflex was observed in nine patients. Five patients had positive straight leg raising test results, and eight patients showed positive femoral nerve stretch test results. CONCLUSION: Among thoracolumbar junction disc herniations, T10-T11 and T11-T12 disc herniations were considered upper neuron disorders, T12-L1 disc herniations were considered lower neuron disorders, L1-L2 disc herniations were considered mild disorders of the cauda equina and radiculopathy, and L2-L3 disc herniations were considered radiculopathy. These findings had relatively distinct differences among herniated disc levels.     

Multiple subpial lipomas with dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen without spinal dysraphism

BACKGROUND: Intradural subpial lipomas not associated with spinal dysraphism, account for less than 1% of spinal cord tumors. The simultaneous existence of multiple intradural subpial lipomas with dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen in the same patient without any evidence of spinal dysraphism has not been previously reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old man presented with progressive spastic paraparesis, and weakness of right elbow extension and opposition of the medial three fingers. He also had ascending paraesthesia from the C6 dermatome to the saddle region and loss of joint and position sense of both lower limbs with hesitancy and precipitancy of micturition. There was no spinal tenderness, deformity, neurocutaneous markers, or spinal dysraphism. The total duration of illness was 11 years.The oblique views of the plain radiographs of the cervical spine revealed an enlarged right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen. The T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images showed two intradural, hyperintense lesions (with extensive loss of signal on fat suppression sequences), one extending from C5 to D2 and the other opposite the C3-4 disc space. The parasagittal and axial images showed the extradural component of the lesion emerging from the right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen.At surgery, a C2 to D2 laminectomy was performed. The lipoma, enclosed in a fine pial membrane, was situated on the right posterolateral aspect of the cord. The right-sided nerve roots from the C6 to D1 levels were completely enmeshed by the lipoma. There was a separate superficial subpial lipoma adherent to the posterior aspect of the cord at the C3-4 level. A distinct area of normal cord was present between the two lesions. A subtotal decompression of the lesions including the component emerging through the right C7-D1 intervertebral foramen and a duraplasty were performed.At follow-up after 18 months, the posterior column impairment, lower limb hypoaesthesia, and right upper limb paraesthesia had improved. However, residual elbow extension and lower limb weakness, mild lower limb spasticity and sphincteric dysfunction persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplicity of intradural subpial lipomas without spinal dysraphism points to a dysembryogenetic basis similar to that seen in patients with spinal dysraphism that results in lipomas, but in which the defect is not severe enough to give rise to coexisting vertebral and soft tissue anomalies. The dumb-bell extradural extension through the intervertebral foramen is extremely rare. The magnetic resonance imaging and surgical principles are discussed.     

Retropulsion of intervertebral discs associated with traumatic hyperextension of the cervical spine and absence of vertebral fracture: an uncommon mechanism of spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN: Case report of a 68-year-old male who sustained cervical trauma following a bodysurfing accident. OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathology of a relatively uncommon mechanism of injury involving extradural cord compression associated with traumatic disc protrusion and herniation, following a cervical hyperextension injury in which there was no vertebral fracture or residual subluxation. SETTING: Department of Neuropathology, Royal Perth Hospital, West Australia. METHOD: Postmortem pathology report. RESULTS: Evidence of multiple ruptures of anterior longitudinal ligament with posterior intervertebral disc herniation and three discrete foci of central cord hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Observations are consistent with cervical extension injury and an injury vector that involves intense axial loading sufficient to cause multiple disc failures, disc herniation and retropulsion leading to extradural disc compression and cord hemorrhage.