Intradural lumbar disc herniation—Is it predictable preoperatively? A report of two cases

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Intradural disc herniations are thought to be rare events, and there have been relatively few literature reports of intradural disc herniations available with regard to magnetic resonance imaging findings. PURPOSE: The authors describe two patients with intradural lumbar disc herniations, one with and one without preoperative diagnosis, who had different postoperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case study METHODS: The first patient underwent an extended L3 subtotal laminectomy followed by bilateral medial facetectomy and foraminotomy at L3-L4. A durotomy uncovered large disc fragments comprised of friable disc materials and end plates, after no clear disc herniation was found in the epidural space. The second patient underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion after a preoperative diagnosis of intradural disc herniation. RESULTS: The first patient experienced a marked reduction of pain and progressive recovery of sensory disturbance, but neurologic examination showed right foot drop postoperatively. Two years after surgery, she can not walk without a cane because the neurologic deficit of the right ankle has shown no improvement. Two days after surgery, the second patient was allowed to ambulate with a lumbar orthosis. Neurologic examination showed no motor deficit. Twenty-one months after surgery, the patient reports minimal back pain when sitting on a chair for prolonged periods of time. CONCLUSION: Our cases highlight the importance of preoperative diagnosis in the treatment of intradural lumbar disc herniations. The potential presence of an intradural disc herniation must always be considered preoperatively on a patient whose magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrates the "hawk-beak sign" on axial imaging as well as abrupt loss of continuity of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). This association results in an adequate surgical approach, thereby reducing the chance of postoperative neurologic deficit. Finally, anterior lumbar interbody fusion can be a reasonable alternative in the treatment of intradural lumbar disc herniations.     

The lateral microsurgical approach to the “extracanalicular” lumbar disc herniation

Summary The main aim in the surgery of the canalicular and extra-canalicular lumbar disc herniation is to remove safely the hidden fragment without complete destruction of the normal facet joint, without damage to the nerve root and with minimal compromise of the stability of the spinal column.This report describes a lateral approach for operations of extracanalicular lumbar disc herniations in which full visual control allows a decompression of the respective spinal nerve or ganglion and removal of the herniated disc. With this approach, there is minimal resection of bone and facet joint and minimal risk of injury to neural structures. If necessary, this approach can easily be combined with the classical interlaminar exposure.     

A minimally invasive transmuscular approach to far-lateral L5-S1 level disc herniations: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: Among all lumbar disc herniations, L5-S1 far-lateral disc herniations are rare entities. Besides, surgical approach may be difficult because of the very narrow passage at this level. For these 2 reasons, most spine surgeons are not experienced in herniations at this level. According to new microanatomic studies, previous lateral approaches at this level often do not allow access to the neuroforamen without partial or total destruction of the L5-S1 facet joint. To preserve the facet joint, an approach was developed. PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a surgical technique that is a minimally invasive intermuscular approach (MIIMA) for decompression of L5-S1 far-lateral level disc herniation (FLLDH). STUDY DESIGN: We present a prospective clinical study analysis of 14 patients with L5-S1 far-lateral disc herniations in a period between 2000 and 2004, treated with microsurgical technique. METHODS: An imaging study revealed consistency with the patient's clinical presentation. In our department, a total of 580 patients underwent discectomy between 2000 and 2004 for lumbar disc herniation. RESULT: Twenty-eight patients had foraminal or extraforaminal herniations (4.8%). Fourteen patients had FLLDH at the L4-L5 level (2.4%), whereas the other 14 were cases of FLLDH at the L5-S1 level (2.4%). One patient had FLLDH at both L5-S1 and L4-L5 levels (7.1%). The mean age of patients was 53.6 years, and the male:female ratio was approximately 5:9. All patients failed to recover after at least 6 weeks of conservative therapy. The mean duration of symptoms until the time of surgery was 7.2 months. Using this MIIMA technique, the authors removed the herniated discs compressing the (L5) nerve roots. Clinical outcome was measured using the visual analog scale. Every patient was discharged within 24 hours. Satisfactory (excellent or good) results were demonstrated in 13 patients (92.9%), because, except for 1 (7.1) permanent dysesthesia case, 4 cases (21.3%) were temporary dysesthesia. Postoperatively all patients reported excellent relief of their sciatic pains, and there were no technique-associated complications. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period ranging from 10 to 60 months (mean, 29 mo). This is one of the major complications of any approach to a far-lateral disc. CONCLUSIONS: The authors describe a MIIMA for excising herniated discs that is applicable to all types of far-lateral lumbar herniations. Postoperative dysesthesia is the most important complication and may persist as it did in our cases. Consequently, manipulation of the ganglion should be avoided at all costs, if possible. The MIIMA procedure provides a simple alternative for treating lumbar foraminal or lateral exit zone herniated discs in selected cases. This approach is effective, allowing the preservation of the L5-S1 facet joint, saving the facet joint, preventing postoperative instability, and offering a direct view of the L5-S1 neuroforamen.     

老年腰椎间盘突出症的特点与手术治疗

目的:探讨老年腰椎间盘突出症的特点与手术治疗效果。方法:对98例老年腰椎间盘突出症患者的临床与病理特点进行分析。男55例,女43例,平均年龄65.7岁。均行腰椎后路椎板减压髓核摘除术,其中小切口开窗56例,半椎板切除32例,全椎板切除10例,根据手术前后JOA评分评价手术疗效。结果:老年腰椎间盘突出症病理以髓核组织的脱水,纤维环的破裂,小关节囊、周围韧带及软骨终板退变为主要特点。临床特点为下肢疼痛多发,腰部活动受限较多;双下肢神经系统检查肌力下降明显,生理反射改变明显。98例平均随访2.2年,JOA评分术后平均改善率为70.9%,手术前后JOA评分比较差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)。结论:老年腰椎间盘突出症患者病程长,体征多,病理改变明显,行腰椎后路椎板减压髓核摘除术,手术效果满意。     

椎间孔及椎间孔外腰椎间盘突出症的手术治疗

目的 比较三种没术式在椎间孔及椎间孔外腰椎间盘突出症治疗中的优、缺点,探讨各自的最佳适应证。方法对本院１９９２年８月－１９９８年４月间手术治疗的３４例椎间孔及椎间孔外腰椎间盘突出症病例进行随访,了解其术后症状改善情况,并同时摄Ｘ线片观察手术对局部稳定性的影响,平均随访２９个月。结果 经峡部外缘入路手术１９例,手术时间平均６２分钟,平均出血量５８ｍｌ,手术总优良率９３％。经椎板、峡部关节突切除途径５     

Diagnosis and microsurgical approach to far-lateral disc herniation in the lumbar spine

Lumbar-disc herniations that occur beneath or far lateral to the intervertebral facet joint are increasingly recognized as a cause of spinal nerve root compression syndromes at the upper lumbar levels. Failure to diagnose and precisely localize these herniations can lead to unsuccessful surgical exploration or exploration of the incorrect interspace. If these herniations are diagnosed, they often cannot be adequately exposed through the typical midline hemilaminectomy approach. Many authors have advocated a partial or complete unilateral facetectomy to expose these herniations, which can lead to vertebral instability or contribute to continued postoperative back pain. The authors present a series of 25 patients who were diagnosed as having far lateral lumbar disc herniations and underwent paramedian microsurgical lumbar-disc excision. Twelve of these were at the L4-5 level, six at the L5-S1 level, and seven at the L3-4 level. In these cases, myelography is uniformly normal and high-quality magnetic resonance images may not be helpful. High-resolution computerized tomography (CT) appears to be the best study, but even this may be negative unless enhanced by performing CT-discography. Discography with enhanced CT is ideally suited to precisely diagnose and localize these far-lateral herniations. The paramedian muscle splitting microsurgical approach was found to be the most direct and favorable anatomical route to herniations lateral to the neural foramen. With this approach, there is no facet destruction and postoperative pain is minimal. Patients were typically discharged on the 3rd or 4th postoperative day. The clinical and radiographic characteristics of far-lateral lumbar-disc herniations are reviewed and the paramedian microsurgical approach is discussed.     

内窥镜下不同入路治疗L_5S_1椎间盘突出症

目的 探讨局麻下经皮后外斜入路与椎板间孔入路内窥镜手术治疗L_5S_1椎间盘突出症的临床疗效.方法 自2003年6月至2008年10月,对57例L_5S_1椎间盘突出症患者应用内窥镜下髓核摘除术进行治疗.男32例,女25例;年龄17～79岁,平均42岁.内窥镜手术入路分别采用后外斜入路与椎板间孔入路.应用Oswestry功能障碍指数对患者手术前、后腰椎功能状况进行评价,分析不同入路的治疗结果、并发症、二次开放手术等情况.结果 57例患者均获得随访,最长5年4个月,最短12个月,平均22.4个月.采用后外斜入路22例,椎板间孔入路35例,其中各有1例患者接受二次手术,各有1例术后出现感染.后外斜入路突出的部位更靠外侧.椎板间孔入路不考虑髂棘的高低,突出部位为中央型和旁中央型.后外斜入路组手术前、后平均Oswestry功能障碍指数分别为74.36,13.91(P<0.001),椎板间孔入路为77.45,12.56(P<0.001),术前和术后两者之间的差异无统计学意义.按照MacNab标准,末次随访时手术疗效后外斜入路优良率为86%.椎板间孔入路优良率为89%.结论 两种入路各有不同的适应证,手术过程明显不同,但只要选择恰当,均能达到很好的临床疗效.     

Different operative possibilities for treatment of lumbar disc herniations — how to choose the best method for the individual patient

Summary The indications for operative treatment of lumbar disc herniations are outlined and the advantages, short-comings and temptations of discolysis, microoperation and large approach discussed.The following indication scheme is proposed:Discolysis: Non-displaced disc herniation without other major causative pathologyMicro-operation: Displaced disc herniation; nondisplaced disc herniation with monosegmental additional causative factorsLarge approach: Multiple disc herniations with suspected displacement and multisegmental additional pathologies.     

Facet tropism: a comparison between far lateral and posterolateral lumbar disc herniations

STUDY DESIGN: An assessment of the difference in the degree of facet tropism and disc degeneration between far lateral and posterolateral lumbar disc herniations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the difference in the degree of the facet tropism and disc degeneration with respect to the development of far lateral lumbar disc herniation and posterolateral lumbar disc herniation, and to compare the effect between the two types of herniations. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of facet tropism on the development of posterolateral lumbar disc herniation has been investigated previously, but there has been no study on far lateral lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: Thirty-eight lumbar disc herniations (far lateral, n = 19; posterolateral, n = 19) were included this study. The degree of facet tropism and disc degeneration was measured at the herniated disc level by using magnetic resonance imaging. The results were compared to show any differences between the two types of lumbar disc herniations. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the degree of facet tropism (24.74 vs. 14.26, P = 0.004) and disc degeneration (23.92 vs. 15.08, P = 0.005) between the far lateral and posterolateral lumbar disc herniations. There was no significant correlation between the degree of facet tropism and the degree of disc degeneration in far lateral lumbar disc herniation (r = -0.369, P = 0.120). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the differences in the degree of facet tropism and disc degeneration might be considered a key factor in distinguishing the development of far lateral lumbar disc herniation from that of posterolateral lumbar disc herniation.     

Combined intra-extracanal approach to lumbosacral disc herniations with bi-radicular involvement. Technical considerations from a surgical series of 15 cases

Large lumbosacral disc herniations effacing both the paramedian and the foraminal area often cause double radicular compression. Surgical management of these lesions may be difficult. A traditional interlaminar approach usually brings into view only the paramedian portion of the intervertebral disc, unless the lateral bone removal is considerably increased. Conversely, the numerous far-lateral approaches proposed for removing foraminal or extraforaminal disc herniations would decompress the exiting nerve root only. Overall, these approaches share the drawback of controlling the neuroforamen on one side alone. A combined intra-extraforaminal exposure is a useful yet rarely reported approach. Over a 3-year period, 15 patients with bi-radicular symptoms due to large disc herniations of the lumbar spine underwent surgery through a combined intra-extracanal approach. A standard medial exposure with an almost complete hemilaminectomy of the upper vertebra was combined with an extraforaminal exposure, achieved by minimal drilling of the inferior facet joint, the lateral border of the pars interarticularis and the inferior margin of the superior transverse process. The herniated discs were removed using key maneuvers made feasible by working simultaneously on both operative windows. In all cases the disc herniation could be completely removed, thus decompressing both nerve roots. Radicular pain was fully relieved without procedure-related morbidity. The intra-extraforaminal exposure was particularly useful in identifying the extraforaminal nerve root early. Early identification was especially advantageous when periradicular scar tissue hid the nerve root from view, as it did in patients who had undergone previous surgery at the same site or had long-standing radicular symptoms. Controlling the foramen on both sides also reduced the risk of leaving residual disc fragments. A curved probe was used to push the disc material outside the foramen. In conclusion, specific surgical maneuvers made feasible by a simultaneous extraspinal and intraspinal exposure allow quick, safe and complete removal of lumbosacral disc herniations with paramedian and foraminal extension.     

Lumbar disc herniation in patients with developmental spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation are usually regarded as two pathogenetically different conditions, but in the literature lumbar disc herniation in patients with developmental spinal stenosis has been rarely documented. In a clinical retrospective study, 42 lumbar disc herniations with developmental spinal stenosis were reported and analyzed. Discectomy was performed after laminotomy. The patients were followed-up for an average of 4.4 years (range 2–7 years). The preoperative symptoms disappeared completely in 28 patients, in 13 patients some degree of backache remained although their nerve root pain had been relieved, and in 1 patient intermittent claudication reappeared after 6 years resolution of their preoperative pain. We conclude that when developmental spinal stenosis is combined with disc herniation, discectomy through laminotomy rather than laminectomy is usually sufficient for decompression.     

Failure of the Wallis interspinous implant to lower the incidence of recurrent lumbar disc herniations in patients undergoing primary disc excision

BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral recurrent disc herniation after lumbar discectomy is a significant problem in the management of lumbar disc disease and may necessitate repeat surgical intervention. A population-based study in Finland found that about 14% of all primary lumbar discectomies required additional surgical interventions. Interspinous devices, which have been shown to unload the posterior anulus, may reduce the occurrence of recurrent herniations. We report our short-term experience with the use of the Wallis device in the management of patients with lumbar disc herniation undergoing primary disc excision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients (23 males and 14 females, average age 36 y) underwent primary lumbar disc excision followed by fixation of the segment with the Wallis implant during a period of 1 year. Indications for implanting the Wallis device were a voluminous disc herniation and preservation of at least 50% of disc space height. Surgery was performed at level L4-5 in most patients. Average follow-up after surgery was 16 months (range 12 to 24). The last 14 patients were also evaluated by the preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, the SF-36 survey, and by a visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain. RESULTS: The average ODI dropped from 43 to 12.7. The average VAS for back pain dropped from 6.6 to1.4 and the average Vas for leg pain dropped from 8.2 to 1.5. Five patients (4 males and 1 female) with relapsing leg pain were diagnosed by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as suffering from recurrent herniation (5/37, 13%). All reherniations occurred at level L4-5 level between 1 and 9 months after the index surgery. Two of the 5 patients subsequently underwent additional discectomy and fusion. SUMMARY: The current Wallis implant is probably incapable of reducing the incidence of recurrent herniations, but it still may be useful in patients with discogenic back pain due to early degenerative disc disease.     

极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症15例报告

目的 探讨极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的临床和CT特征,提高该病的诊断率。方法 对15例经手术证实的患者临床和CT影像进行回顾性分析。结果 腰4／5间隙多发,椎间孔和椎间孔外联合突出多见,临床上常可见单侧两节神经根受损的表现。结论 临床与CT相结合是诊断极外侧型腰椎间盘突出症的关键。     

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.     

Clinical evaluation of lumbar disc hernia in the teenagers

Lumbar disc herniation is a rare occurrence in teenagers. There are several questions as to its pathogenesis, relationship to trauma, and clinical manifestations compared with those in adults. In the present paper, we described nine cases of teen-age lumbar disc herniation, which accounts for about 3.3% of all the operated lumbar disc herniations in our clinic. In the discussion, 687 cases of teen-age lumbar disc herniation were analyzed from the world literature. The clinical signs and symptoms in teenagers showed no distinct difference from those in adults. Laségue's sign was found in nearly all the patients. Although direct or indirect trauma to the lumbar region may play an important role in causing disc herniation in teenagers, a more important factor seems to be the degeneration of the disc material, which begins in children earlier than usually suspected. Although surgical therapy has been advocated by many authors, it must be followed up for a long term before the efficacy of such treatment for teenagers can be confidently ascertained.     

棘间入路法作腰椎间盘摘除术

目的：探讨经棘突间入路法作腰椎间盘摘除的应用价值。方法：作者１９９６ 年１１ 月～１ ９９８ 年５ 月作了１５ 例,男性８ 例,女性７ 例,平均３８ 岁,均有下腰腿痛史, Ｃ Ｔ 明确诊断。采用此入路作腰椎间盘摘除,６ 例同时作侧隐窝扩大,神经根管松解,１ 例作了二个间盘摘除。结果：平均随访１ 年, 优９ 例,良４ 例,中、差各１ 例。疗效满意。棘间入路优点为经棘间、椎间隙即可进入腰椎间盘与黄韧带间隙,简称腰盘黄间隙,易于摘除腰椎间盘。结论：此入路简易、创伤小,有利于保持脊柱稳定。     

发育性腰椎椎管狭窄合并腰椎间盘突出症

目的：探讨发育性腰椎椎管狭窄合并腰椎间盘突出症的病理特点、诊断和治疗。方法：报告４２例发育性腰椎椎管狭窄合并腰椎间盘突出症,计男２９例,女１３例,年龄１９～４４岁,平均３１．７岁。均采用经椎板间开窗行椎间盘切除术治疗。结果：随访２～７年,平均４．４年。２８例术前症状完全消失,１３例根性疼痛或间歇性跛行症状消失但仍遗有腰痛,１例症状体征消失６年后又出现间歇性跛行。结论：腰椎椎管狭窄和腰椎间盘突出系两种独立的疾病,发育性椎管狭窄往往只是致病的条件而非决定因素,当合并椎间盘突出时经开窗行单纯椎间盘切除术即可取得满意疗效行椎板切除术并无必要     

A systematic review of randomised clinical trials using posterior discectomy to treat lumbar disc herniations

The focus of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of three different discectomy techniques using a posterior approach for the treatment of herniated lumbar discs. There are only a small number of prospective randomised studies comparing posterior lumbar discectomy techniques, and no recent systematic review has been published on this matter. Using the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines, all randomised or "quasi-randomised" clinical trials, comparing classic, microsurgical, and endoscopic lumbar discectomies using a posterior approach were systematically reviewed. No statistically significant differences were found between these techniques regarding improvement in pain, sensory deficits, motor strength, reflexes, and patient satisfaction. Current data suggest that the microsurgical and endoscopic techniques are superior to the classic technique for the treatment of single level lumbar disc herniations with respect to volume of blood loss, systemic repercussions, and duration of hospital stay. All three surgical techniques were found to be effective for the treatment of single level lumbar disc herniations in patients without degenerative vertebral deformities. No conclusions could be drawn from the clinical randomised studies reviewed regarding the safety of the three techniques studied due to insufficient data on postoperative complications.     

Central Lumbar Disc Herniation

Summary  A follow-up study which describes the experience of the Department of Neurosurgery in Berne in the treatment of patients with central lumbar disc herniation (CLDH).  Background Data. The anatomical position of lumbar disc herniation, in general, does not seem to affect postoperative outcome. However, according to other studies a subgroup of patients with central lumbar disc herniations appears to have poorer results.  Objectives. The aim of the present study was to assess clinical outcome in a recent cohort of patients, to investigate whether there is a difference in outcome with regard to the surgical approach (unilateral vs bilateral) and to compare the postoperative results between the subcategories of CLDH: central massprolaps (CMP) and central contained disc herniation (CCDH).  Methods. Between 1990 and 1997, 40 out of 3150 patients operated on for lumbar disc herniation were diagnosed with CLDH (1.2%). The patients were operated on through unilateral or bilateral fenestrations with microdiscectomy. Recent follow-up studies were obtained by standardized questionnaires. The retrospective investigation was performed by an unbiased observer.  Results. Long-term follow-up was available for 34 of the 40 patients (85%) at a mean of 3.3 years. Eight patients had an excellent result (24%), 15 patients a good result (44%), 8 patients a fair (24%) and 3 patients had a poor result (9%). Overall, the operation was considered successful in 68% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in outcome in patients with CMP as compared with those with CCDH (75% versus 64%). There was also no significant difference for better outcome between bilateral as compared with unilateral approaches.  Conclusions. Postoperative outcome of central lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) is poorer as compared with other types of lumbar disc herniation. The reason seems to be the anatomical position of the disc herniation with a peculiar derangement of the disc architecture. The surgical approach itself or the subcategories of CLDH appear to have only minor impact on postoperative outcome. Interlaminar fenestrations, in general, are appropriate for removal of the disc fragments.