Brown-Sequard syndrome produced by cervical disc herniation with complete neurologic recovery: report of three cases and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.Objective:To report three cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) associated with cervical disc herniation. METHOD: We describe clinical and radiographic review of three patients who presented with BSS caused by cervical disc herniation. Three patients presented with ipsilateral motor weakness and diminished sensation to pain and temperature on the contralateral side. Magnetic resonance images of the cervical spine in all cases, showed a large paramedian disc herniation at C5-C6, with ipsilateral severe spinal cord compression. Microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via anterior foraminotomy was performed and complete decompression of the spinal cord was achieved. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms recovered rapidly with a complete remission of their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although BSS is rarely associated with degenerative cervical spine disease, cervical disc herniation should be kept in mind and prompt evaluation is indicated. Anterior foraminotomy suffices for spinal cord decompression with improvement of the neurological function.     

腰椎间盘源性疼痛机理的临床研究

目的 :分析腰椎间盘突出症病人的临床症状、体征与椎间盘和神经根大体病理形态改变的关系 ,临床症状、体征和椎间盘突出类型与髓核中炎症介质 (磷脂酶A2 )水平的关系以及临床症状、体征和椎间盘突出类型与脑脊液 (以下简称CSF)中神经肽类递质变化的关系。从临床角度探讨腰椎间盘突出症疼痛机理。材料与方法 :分析161例腰椎间盘突出病人的髓核突出类型及神经根病理形态改变与腰腿痛程度的关系 ;分析 2 0例腰椎间盘髓核组织中磷脂酶A2 活性水平与神经根性疼痛程度的关系 ;3 1例腰椎间盘突出症病人脑脊液中P物质和降钙素基因相关肽含量与神经根性疼痛程度进行比较。结果 :①腰椎间盘的膨出、突出、脱出和脱出游离各组之间无疼痛程度的统计学显著差异。而神经根呈急性炎症反应的病人中重度疼痛高达 80 % (P <0 .0 1)。②腰椎间盘突出症病人椎间盘髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性显著高于自身血液中和健康人椎间盘髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性水平 ,腰椎间盘突出症病人的腰腿痛程度与其髓核中磷脂酶A2 活性明显相关。③腰痛病人脑脊液中P物质和降钙素基因相关肽水平高于正常对照组 ,并与疼痛等级有关。结论 :①腰椎间盘突出物的病理形态和对神经根的机械压迫与其引起的临床疼痛症状和神经根体征无明确关系 ,而神经根性疼痛与局部     

腰椎间盘突出并椎管狭窄症手术失误及再手术治疗

目的：通过分析腰椎间盘突出并椎管狭窄症病人的初次手术失误原因，以预防手术失误的发生，并提出再手术的注意事项。方法：对西安西京医院１９５５年１月～１９９３年１２月所有手术治疗的腰椎间盘突出及椎管狭窄症２２４２例进行复查、整理，其中再手术者９８例，４３例（其中外院转入２４例）因第一次手术失误，导致症状无明显好转，或进一步加重，或合并其它症状而需再手术治疗，对４３例进行回顾分析。结果：从４３例再手术的腰椎间盘突出并椎管狭窄病人分析中，发现初次手术失误原因主要为腰椎管狭窄未解除，多间隙间盘突出遗漏，术中未找到突出间盘，仅行减压术和髓核未取尽。４３例再手术病人取得良好效果，优良率达９５．３％。结论：（１）初次手术时要加强术前检查明确诊断，确立正确手术方案。术中应注意解决椎间盘突出及椎管狭窄问题，既不能遗漏椎间盘突出或未解除椎管狭窄，也不能扩大减压损伤。在处理椎间盘突出的同时又要注意解决脊柱稳定性，对并发症要及时处理。（２）二次手术时应从正常部位进入椎管后细心分离粘连，摘除突出的髓核和解除椎管狭窄，防止损伤硬膜、马尾神经和神经根。     

一次后路手术治疗颈椎管狭窄并颈间盘突出

目的　介绍一种一次性后路手术治疗颈椎管狭窄合并颈椎间盘突出的手术方法。方法　从 1993年 1月～ 1998年 12月我院采用后路一次单开门椎板成形、椎管扩大同时行脊髓侧前方减压摘除颈间盘共 2 9例。结果　随诊平均 2 0个月 ,优良 2 5例 ,优良率 86 % ,无并发症发生。结论　经后路一次性手术单开门椎板成形加脊髓侧前方减压可治疗颈间盘突出合并广泛椎管狭窄两个病变 ,方法可行。     

Anterior or posterior approach of thoracic disc herniation? A comparative cohort of mini-transthoracic versus transpedicular discectomies

Background contextThe optimal surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniations remains controversial and depends on the consistency of the herniation and its location related to the spinal cord.PurposeTo compare the outcomes of patients with symptomatic thoracic disc herniations treated with anterolateral mini-transthoracic approach (TTA) versus posterior transpedicular discectomy.Study designThis is a prospective comparative cohort study.Patient sampleOne hundred consecutive patients with symptomatic thoracic herniated discs were operated by mini-TTA (56 patients) or transpedicular discectomy (44 patients).Outcome measuresNeurologic assessment by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale and patients' self reported perceived recovery and complications.MethodsThe consistency and location of the herniated disc in relation to the spinal cord was evaluated by preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assessed neurologically before surgery and at regular outpatient controls at 2 months or later. Long-term follow-up was achieved by questionnaires sent by mail.ResultsIn both groups, most patients had symptoms of myelopathy and radicular pain; patients who underwent mini-TTA, more frequently suffered from spasticity. Fifty-eight percent of the herniated discs were calcified and 77% were larger than one-third of the spinal canal. All patients presented with ASIA Grade C or D (64%) or ASIA Grade E (36%). Postoperatively, 50% of the patients treated with mini-TTA and 37% of the transpedicular group improved at least one grade on the ASIA scale (p=.19). The duration of surgery, blood loss, hospital stay, and complication rate were significantly higher in patients treated with mini-TTA and were mainly related to the magnitude and consistency of the herniated disc. At long-term follow-up, 72% of the mini-TTA patients reported good outcome versus 76% of the transpedicular discectomy group (p=.80).ConclusionsSurgical treatment of a symptomatic herniated disc contributed to a clinical improvement in most cases. The approach is dependent on the location, the magnitude, and the consistency of the herniated thoracic disc. Medially located large calcified discs should be operated through an anterolateral approach, whereas noncalcified or lateral herniated discs can be treated from a posterior approach as well. For optimal treatment of this rare entity, the treatment should be performed in selected centers.     

腰椎间盘突出症手术疗效与突出类型及纤维环完整性的关系

目的探讨腰椎间盘突出症手术疗效与突出类型及纤维环完整性的关系。方法回顾性分析经后路椎板开窗髓核摘除术治疗的260例腰椎间盘突出症患者的疗效。病例选择条件:均为下腰椎单节段突出,侧突型(单侧坐骨神经症状),不伴有椎管狭窄。随访6～14年,平均8.5年。根据术中所见椎间盘突出的髓核形态及纤维环破损大小,将椎间盘突出症分为四种类型,并对不同类型的术后疗效进行统计学分析比较。结果椎间盘髓核突出较大、纤维环破损较小者,术后疗效佳,复发率低;反之,髓核突出较小或纤维环破损大者,术后疗效差,复发率高。结论腰椎间盘突出症的手术效果与椎间盘突出类型及纤维环的完整性有密切的联系。对临床症状较轻、间盘突出较小且突出物基底较宽的患者应尽量避免开放式手术。椎间盘突出摘除术中除应注意保持脊柱骨性结构的稳定性,还应尽量避免过多地破坏椎间盘纤维环的完整性。     

腰椎间盘突出症手术失败的再手术治疗

目的:本文报告20例腰椎间盘突出症手术失败再手术的病人,目的在于分析手术失败的原因和再手治疗的有关问题。方法:回顾1989年至1996年间的1218例腰椎间盘突出症手术病人,选择其中20例因初次手术失败而接受再次手术的病人,对其再手术的原因和手术治疗进行回顾性研究。结果:初次手术失败的原因主要是突出间盘切除不全和术后发生疤痕性椎管狭窄,另外,马尾损伤、腰椎骨质增生、软骨板破裂及腰骶神经节椎管内异位畸形等亦是手术失败的原因。结论:作者强调首次手术应采用开窗术进行椎管减压和髓核摘除。再次手术难度较大,但病变显露应从正常解剖部位开始,仔细地去除疤痕和其它致病因素,以免神经根或神经组织的损伤。     

Comparison of the results in patients operated upon for ruptured lumbar discs with and without spinal fusion

Summary A comparative study of 259 patients operated on for ruptured lumbar discs, with and without spinal fusion, has been carried out.Simple removal of the herniated nucleus pulposus was performed in 119 patients while 68 were subjected to combined removal of the herniated disc material and lumbo-sacral fusion.During the first postoperative months the results were similar in the two groups, with a satisfactory result in 89 and 88 per cent of the cases respectively. During the following years a significant difference occurred between the groups. Severe pain recurred in 27% of the patients with simple removal of the herniated disc material and in 15% of those with the combined operation (P<0.01).The cause of the recurrence in the patients without fusion was disc herniation in 10% (at the same level in 7% and at a different level in 3%), and adhesions, or osteochondrosis with or without instability in 17%. In the patients with the combined operation the recurrences were caused by pseudoarthrosis in 9%, by disc herniation in 3%, and by other causes in 3%.At the final examination 6–7 years after the first operation, the results were still better in the fused patients, but the difference was no longer significant. Eighty-five per cent of the patients with the combined operation had a satisfactory result with regard to pain as compared with 76% in the other group.Thus, the results show that the combined operation gives better protection against recurrence of pain. However, it is a more extensive procedure and has complications of its own, and it should therefore mainly be used in young patients.     

Pain drawing and myelography in sciatic pain

In order to assess the predictive value of pain drawings of sciatic pain, 81 patients admitted because of symptoms and signs of lumbar disc herniation were asked to chart their pain on a schematic body drawing prior to myelography. There were no differences in sexes, ages, or pain duration between the group of 37 patients with a herniated lumbar disc compared to the 44 patients with a normal myelogram. From the features of the pain drawing alone, it was possible to predict the presence or absence of a herniated disc with a high statistical significance (p less than 0.001). Patients with a disc herniation rarely had pain in the upper trunk or arms (three of 37) compared with the normal group (23 of 44). Only one of nine patients with pain in the groin had disc herniation, and the same was true concerning pain in the iliac crest. Three patients without pain below the knee had no prolapsed disc. The Ransford score was significantly higher in patients with nondiscogenic sciatica, but there was no difference between the groups in the number of types of pain sensation.     

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。     

An injectable nucleus replacement as an adjunct to microdiscectomy: 2 year follow-up in a pilot clinical study

Literature indicates that loss of disc tissue from herniation and/or surgery can accelerate degeneration of the disc. The associated loss of disc height may correspond with recurrent back and/or leg pain. A novel hydrogel has been developed to replace lost nucleus pulposus and potentially restore normal disc biomechanics following herniation and surgery. A single-center, non-randomized, prospective feasibility study was undertaken to investigate the use of NuCore^® Injectable Nucleus hydrogel (Spine Wave, Inc., Shelton, CT, USA) as a replacement for nuclear tissue lost to herniation and microdiscectomy. Fourteen patients were enrolled at the authors’ hospital as the initial site in a worldwide multicenter pilot study. Subjects who were entered into the study suffered from radicular pain due to single-level herniated nucleus pulposus and were non-respondent to conservative therapy. Following a standard microdiscectomy procedure, the hydrogel material was injected into the nuclear void to replace what tissue had been lost to the herniation and surgery. Leg and back pain, function and disability scores were monitored pre- and post-operatively through 2 years. Neurologic and physical evaluations, blood and serum analyses, and radiographic evaluations of disc height and implant stability were also performed. Results showed significant improvement for leg and back pain, as well as function scores. No complications or device related adverse events were observed. MR controls confirmed stable position of the implants with no reherniations. Radiographic measurements indicated better maintenance of disc height compared to literature data on microdiscectomy alone. The NuCore^® material appears to protect the disc from early collapse following microdiscectomy; and therefore, may have the potential to slow the degenerative cascade of the spinal segment over time.     

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.     

极外侧腰椎间盘突出症的临床分型及手术方式选择

目的 提出极外侧腰椎间盘突出症的新的临床分型,为手术方式的选择提供依据.方法 按照椎间盘突出的位置及其临床症状将极外侧腰椎间盘突出症分为椎管内椎间孔内型(Ⅰ型)、椎间孔内型(Ⅱ型)和椎间孔外型(Ⅲ型).据此对2002年1月至2007年1月收治的38例极外侧椎间盘突出症患者进行临床分型,并结合临床分型选择(1)经横突间椎间盘切除;(2)经椎管部分关节突切除、潜行椎间盘切除;(3)经椎管椎间盘切除+经后路椎体间融合(PLIF)等手术方式.38例患者中男性25例,女性13例;平均58.4岁.其中L_(3～4) 17例、L_ (4～5) 13例、L_5S_1 8例.单纯椎间盘突出23例,合并椎管狭窄15例.所有病例均表现为突出节段出口根受压的症状和体征,其中Ⅰ型中的7例同时伴有下位神经根受压的表现,15例合并椎管狭窄者存在间歇性跛行,21例有明确的腰痛症状.手术前后行根性疼痛VAS评分,术后采用MacNab方法进行临床疗效评定.结果 按照新的临床分型,38例患者中Ⅰ型10例、Ⅱ型19例、Ⅲ型9例.经横突间行椎间盘切除5例,经椎管部分关节突切除、潜行椎间盘切除7例,经椎管椎间盘切除+PLIF 26例.随访时间6个月～4年10个月,平均2年11个月.VAS评分术前平均为7.4分,术后2周为2.7分,末次随访为3.1分.末次随访MacNab评定结果:优20例、良12例、可5例、差1例,优良率为84.2%.并发症:伤口表浅感染1例、减压不满意者1例、脑脊液漏1例.未见内固定断裂、松动等.结论 新的临床分型,对认识极外侧腰椎间盘突出症的病理变化及选择手术方式等具有重要的意义.     

Results of hemivertebrectomy and fusion for symptomatic thoracic disc herniation

We retrospectively analysed ten consecutive patients (age range 32-77 years) treated surgically from 1994 to 1999 for symptomatic thoracic disc herniation between the 6th and 12th thoracic discs. Clinically, eight patients had varying grades of back pain and eight patients had paraparesis. Radiography showed calcification in 50% of the herniated discs. Two patients had two-level thoracic disc herniation. Hemivertebrectomy followed by discectomy and fusion was carried out in all patients. Instrumentation with cages was performed in eight patients and bone grafting alone in two patients. The average follow-up was 24 months (range 13-36 months). Six patients had an excellent or good outcome, three had a fair outcome and one had a poor outcome. One patient had atelectasis, which recovered within 2 days of surgery. Another patient had developed complete paraplegia, detected at surgery by SSEPs, and underwent resurgery following magnetic resonance (MR) scan with complete corpectomy and instrumented fusion. At 2 years, she had a functional recovery. The patient with poor outcome had undergone a previous discectomy at T9/10. He developed severe back pain and generalised hyper-reflexia following corpectomy and fusion for disc herniation at T10/11. We advocate anterior transthoracic discectomy following partial corpectomy for symptomatic thoracic disc herniation between the 6th and 12th thoracic discs. This procedure offers improved access to the thoracic disc for an instrumented fusion, which is likely to decrease the risk of iatrogenic injury to the spinal cord.     

Types of lumbar herniated disc and clinical course

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of different types of herniated discs and duration of symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation, and a trial of longer conservative treatment to reduce the number of operations. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether noncontained and contained herniated discs have different clinical courses and to evaluate the results of the clinical trial of longer and vigorous conservative treatment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The possibility of a difference in clinical features between contained and noncontained disc herniation has been suggested previously. METHODS: In the first study, the medical history and intraoperative findings of 156 patients who had undergone herniotomy were reviewed. In the second study, conservative treatment of at least 2 months' duration was recommended for all patients with lumbar disc herniation. RESULTS: In the first study, patients with noncontained disc herniation had a shorter preoperative clinical course than those with contained disc herniation. It was rare for noncontained herniation to require surgery 4 months or more after the onset of symptoms. In the second study, the authors' protocol reduced the number of herniotomies required, especially the number of operations for the patients with noncontained disc herniation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that patients with noncontained lumbar disc herniation can be treated without surgery, if these patients can tolerate the symptoms for the first 2 months.     

Herniated disc of lumbar spine caused by bone cement leakage after kyphoplasty – A case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceTo describe an unusual case with herniated disc caused by bone cement leaking to disc space after kyphoplasty.Case presentationWe reported a 72-year-old woman with L4 osteoporotic compression fracture. New-onset of left sciatica, numbness and intermittent claudication suffered her immediate after kyphoplasty. Herniated disc caused by bone cement leaking to disc space after kyphoplasty. The patient was post decompressive operation of L34 and the symptoms subsided well then.Clinical discussionPercutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was a common procedure today. Especially to back pain caused by osteoporotic fracture, reported pain relief rate was satisfactory. Current studies about bone cement leakage showed kyphoplasty less than vertebroplasty. However, for the mechanism and stress effect of balloon expansion, new weak points and cracks over endplate was created, which may cause bone cement leakage to disc space and related symptoms.ConclusionKyphoplasty was a common, effective and minimal invasive operation for patients with compression fracture of spine. Cement leakage to intervertebral disc space was generally asymptomatic, but it should be avoided as much as possible. The leakage could affect the stability and weight-bearing of spinal column. Accelerated degenerative process of disc would be found and newly herniated disc would be noted. It should be ceased the procedure when relative amount of bone cement leakage to disc space during kyphoplasty.     

腰椎间盘突出症的临床解剖学分型及其意义(1106例回顾性研究)

目的：对不同方向突出的椎间盘从解剖学角度给予区域界定,以便明确分型,利于术式选择。方法：通过对离体干化腰椎的解剖研究,结合临床术中测量及１１０６例回顾研究,将突出椎间盘进行明确解剖界定之分型。结果：同区域的突出椎间盘产生一组相似的临床表现,基于此,将椎间盘突出症分为５型,即：中央型、偏侧型、椎间管型、椎间管外型及侧方型。分别占发病间盘的３３４％、５１％、８５％、４５％、２４％。结论：解剖界定明确的分型,对腰椎间盘突出症临床诊断和术式选择有重要意义     

Epidural varicosis as a rare cause of acute radiculopathy with complete foot paresis--case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar epidural varicosis presenting with radiculopathy is a seldom anticipated condition. An uncommon case of symptomatic enlargement of epidural veins mimicking lumbar disc herniation led us to perform a literature review to elucidate aetiopathological and diagnostic considerations as well as treatment options of this intraspinal pathology. METHODS: The case of a 40-year-old woman with acute sciatia accompanied by a complete paresis of foot elevation and extension caused by enlarged epidural veins is described. A literature survey (Medline 1960-2005) was conducted to uncover further cases of symptomatic epidural varicosis. RESULTS: The literature review revealed only 75 published cases of symptomatic epidural varices which is generally judged as a rare cause of radiculopathy. Different models for the origin of enlarged epidural veins have been proposed. Enlargement may occur primary or secondary to a herniated disc or compressive lesions in the spinal cord. In some cases obstruction or occlusion of the inferior vena cava due to pregnancy or deep vein thrombosis are suspected to increase the pressure of the epidural venous plexi via collateral pathways. MRI has been reported to be of high value in demonstrating the dilated epidural vein, but the findings might be misinterpreted as herniated nucleus pulposus material. Coagulative ablation and/or excision of enlarged epidural veins is recommended and produces good long-term results in cases without extraspinal vessel pathology. CONCLUSION: Enlargement of epidural veins with compression of lumbar nerve roots can mimic the clinical signs of disc herniation or spinal stenosis, even when accompanied by neurological disorders. Although rare, lumbar epidural varicosis should be appreciated as a possible cause of radiculopathy and diagnosed before surgery. Apart from intraspinal abnormalities causing dilatation of epidural veins, stenosis or occlusion of the extraspinal venous drainage system should be considered.     

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.     

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.