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.     

The clinical presentation of uppermost cervical disc protrusion

OBJECT: The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical presentation of the C2-C3 cervical herniation disc. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Uppermost cervical disc protrusion is an uncommon condition. The pattern of large central fragments of nucleus impinging on the highest cervical disc region is often poorly localized according to its clinical presentation. METHODS: Eight patients treated with anterior cervical discectomy with fusion for C2-C3 disc herniation participated in a detailed clinical and radiologic review to determine early detection and clarify potential hazards. Each patient's neurologic function was tested and recorded successively by a team of physicians and qualified physiotherapists. RESULTS: Reviewing the symptomatology, most patients presented ascending radicular symptoms secondary to trivial trauma, characterized by suboccipital pain, loss of hand dexterity, and paresthesia over face and unilateral lateral arm. Six (75%) patients had remarkable improvement postoperatively in neurologic function, except for some residual sensory embarrassment in at least 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical neurologic examination provides a less precise anatomic basis, to point to a particular upper cervical disc protrusion. Nonspecific neck and shoulder pain, a variety of cervical radiculopathy, and myelopathy may present. However, this rare spondylotic pattern is usually characterized by impairment of motor and sensory function more in the upper extremities than lower extremities and mostly starting following trauma. Radiculopathy generally outweighs the cord sign. Cruciate paralysis associated with vague diffuse and patch regions of hypesthesia over perioral distribution may help to localize this upper cervical lesion. The present study demonstrates that early detection and adequate anterior decompression may provide excellent outcome.     

Peri-operative treatment with botulinum A toxin prior to posterior cervical decompression in a case with cervical spondylosis caused by spasmodic torticollis secondary to cerebral palsy

Patients with spasmodic torticollis secondary to athetoid cerebral palsy may develop symptomatic degenerative cervical disc disease or spondylosis. In these cases, peri-operative stabilization of the cervical spine is considered to be difficult and recurrence occurs frequently. We reported a case with cervical spondylosis induced by athetoid cerebral palsy. A 44-year-old female with athetoid cerebral palsy had suffered from secondary spasmodic torticollis. 7 years previously, she had been admitted to our hospital for the first time with complaints of gait disturbance, dysesthesia and hypesthesia in all extremities. CT-myelography and MRI showed disc degeneration and spondylosis at the level of C4/5 and C5/6, compressing the spinal cord. She underwent C5 vertebrectomy and C4-6 anterior fusion. However, due to cervical dystonia, it was difficult for her to wear a Philadelphia collar, so she had to under go complete bed rest for postoperative neck stabilization. Her symptoms improved after the operation. 5 years after the first operation, she complained of gait disturbance and sensory disturbance, again. MRI showed compression of the spinal cord at C2-C4, rostral to the level of the previous surgical area. So we planned the second operation. Prior to the operation, we used botulinum A toxin to reduce the athetoid movement of the neck. And we performed C3-6 expansive laminoplasty and partial laminectomy of C2 and C7 laminae. After the second operation, she was able to wear the Philadelphia collar without trouble and her neurological condition improved again. Botulinum A toxin was very effective to control the spasmodic torticollis peri-operatively in this case with cervical dystonia.     

表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病临床与影像学特点

目的 研究表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病患者的临床表现和颈椎中立位、屈曲位MR影像特征.方法 3例临床上表现为上肢近端肌肉萎缩的平山病患者,行颈椎中立位及屈曲位MR检查,分析患者的临床表现及与影像学征象的关系,并与43例表现为手及前臂肌肉萎缩的平山病患者相比较.结果 (1)临床特点:3例患者均为青少年男性,表现为一侧胸大肌、三角肌、肱二头肌等上肢近端肌肉萎缩和肌无力,肌电图检查均提示双侧上肢神经源性损害.(2)颈椎MRI特点:3例患者中立位MRI示颈椎呈后凸畸形,脊髓未见压迫;屈曲位MRI示C3-5椎体水平的颈段脊髓和后方硬脊膜向前移位,C4.5椎体水平脊髓受到前方椎体或椎间盘和后方硬脊膜的压迫,硬脊膜外有扩张的椎管内静脉丛.43例表现为手及前臂肌肉萎缩的平山病患者也出现上述征象,脊髓受压部位在C6.7椎体水平.结论 平山病可表现为胸大肌、三角肌、肱二头肌等上肢近端肌肉的萎缩和无力,容易被误诊和漏诊;颈椎屈曲位MRI是本病早期诊断的重要依据.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)findings of patients with Hirayama disease simply presenting proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy.Methods Three patients with Hirayama disease simply presenting proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy received cervical spine MRI on neutral and flexion position. The relationship between MRI findings and their clinical symptoms were analyzed. The outcomes were compared with those of 43 patients who were diagnosed as Hirayama disease with muscular atrophy at the hand and forearm. Results 1) Clinical features:three patients were young men. The disease was characterized by unilateral weakness and atrophy of the proximal upper limbs, such as pectoralis major muscle, deltoid muscle, and biceps brachii muscle. Electromyogram (EMG) showed bilateral upper extremities neurogenic damage. 2) Cervical spine MRI findings:cervical spine kyphosis without spinal cord compression was found on neutral position. On flexion position,anterior shifting of C3-C5 cervical cord and the posterior wall of dural sac were found; C4-C5 cervical cord was compressed by vertebral body or intervertebral disc or dural sac. Engorged posterior internal vertebral venous plexus were observed in epidural space. In the 43 patients who were diagnosed Hirayama disease with muscular atrophy at the hand and forearm, similar MRI findings were found, while cervical cords compression were at C6-C7 level. Conclusion Hirayama disease could present as proximal upper extremity muscular atrophy and weakness, such as pectoralis major muscle, deltoid muscle, and biceps brachii muscle.Neglecting of this will result in diagnostic errors or missed diagnosis. Flexion position MRI is an important base of early diagnosis of Hirayama disease.     

颈椎小关节突脱位闭合复位前后椎间盘和脊髓的损伤变化

目的　观察颈椎小关节突脱位闭合复位前后椎间盘和脊髓的损伤变化。方法　 16例颈椎小关节突脱位患者 ,7例单侧小关节突脱位 ,9例双侧小关节突脱位 ,在X线透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位 ,并于复位前后进行神经功能和颈椎MRI检查 ,比较椎间盘脱出和脊髓实质损伤的变化。结果　 16例均闭合复位成功 ,复位前 5例有明显椎间盘脱出 ,4例有椎间盘撕裂 ,7例无明显椎间盘损伤。复位成功后 ,4例椎间盘脱出仍存在 ,大小无变化 ;1例原脱出椎间盘明显缩小 ,无新椎间盘脱出发生。14例复位前后脊髓信号无变化 ,2例复位后出现MRIT2 加权高信号增强。 16例复位后无一例出现神经功能恶化。结论　颅骨牵引闭合复位不会诱发或加重椎间盘脱出 ,进而造成继发性脊髓功能损伤     

颈椎闭合复位对椎间盘和脊髓损伤的影响

目的探讨下颈椎小关节脱位闭合复位的临床疗效。方法46例颈椎小关节脱位患者,24例单侧小关节脱位,22例双侧小关节脱位,在透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位,并于复位前后进行神经功能和颈椎MRI检查,借以比较复位前后椎间盘损伤和脊髓实质性损伤的变化情况。结果46例中39例在透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位,其中34例复位成功,5例未成功,成功率87％。34例中复位前MRI显示存在明显椎间盘突出者7例,椎间盘撕裂4例,复位后有6例椎间盘脱出仍存在,大小无明显变化;1例原脱出椎间盘明显缩小,无新椎间盘脱出发生。33例在复位前后脊髓信号无明显改变,1例复位前脊髓无明显改变者,复位后出现T2加权高信号。结论1、透视下颅骨牵引闭合复位是一种安全有效的治疗方法,通常情况下不会诱发或加重椎间盘脱出,进而造成继发性脊髓功能损伤。2、MRI对颈椎小关节脱位合并椎间盘和脊髓损伤的诊断、预后的参考价值高,但不应因行MRI检查而耽误闭合复位。     

Isolated C3–C4 disc herniations present as a painless myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Cervical disc herniations at the C3-C4 level are distinctly uncommon. The authors present the first case series of isolated C3-C4 disc herniations presenting with myelopathy. PURPOSE: To elucidate a rare presentation of the uncommon C3-C4 disc herniation. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PATIENT SAMPLE: The four patients who presented with myelopathy caused by isolated C3-C4 disc herniations, at the spine unit, Vancouver General Hospital between 1999 and 2005. OUTCOME MEASURE: Improvement in neurological status. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the files of the patients. The clinical features and outcome of surgery were assessed. RESULTS: The C3-C4 disc herniation can present as with no or mild pain, and hand numbness was a prominent symptom. Early recognition and treatment led to favorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Myelopathy is rarely caused by a C3-C4 disc herniation. This etiology may be underdiagnosed but has a more favorable outcome in those cases where rapid diagnosis is followed by spinal cord decompression.     

Combined interbody cage and anterior plating in the surgical treatment of cervical disc disease

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treatment of symptomatic cervical disc herniation using interbody cages and anterior plate fixation. Fifteen patients were studied retrospectively. An MRI study of the cervical spine was performed preoperatively in all patients. The levels involved were C5-C6 in 9 cases, C6-C7 in 4 and C3-C4 in 1, while 1 patient had disc disease at the C5-C6, C6-C7 levels, Surgical treatment included anterior approach of the cervical spine, removal of the degenerative disc, excision of osteophytes and insertion of an interbody cage which was filled in with bovine allograft and demineralised bone matrix. The spinal unit was stabilized with an anterior plate and screws. No cervical splint was used postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 7 years on average after surgery. No failure or migration of the implants was noted, while bone fusion was achieved radiologically within 6 months postoperatively in all cases. The benefits of this surgical technique are the maintenance of cervical lordosis and disc space height, the high fusion rate, as well as avoidance of cervical orthoses.     

Clinical evidence for cervical myelopathy due to Chiari malformation and spinal stenosis in a non-randomized group of patients with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia

Objective While patients with fibromyalgia report symptoms consistent with cervical myelopathy, a detailed neurological evaluation is not routine. We sought to determine if patients with fibromyalgia manifest objective neurological signs of cervical myelopathy.Methods Two hundred and seventy patients, 18 years and older, who carried the diagnosis of fibromyalgia but who had no previously recognized neurological disease underwent detailed clinical neurological and neuroradiological evaluation for the prevalence of objective evidence of cervical myelopathy and radiological evidence of cerebellar tonsillar herniation (Chiari 1 malformation) or cervical spinal canal stenosis.Results Patients were primarily women (87%), of mean age 44 years, who had been symptomatic for 8 years (standard deviation, 6.3 years). The predominant complaints were neck/back pain (95%), fatigue (95%), exertional fatigue (96%), cognitive impairment (92%), instability of gait (85%), grip weakness (83%), paresthesiae (80%), dizziness (71%) and numbness (69%). Eighty-eight percent of patients reported worsening symptoms with neck extension. The neurological examination was consistent with cervical myelopathy: upper thoracic spinothalamic sensory level (83%), hyperreflexia (64%), inversion of the radial periosteal reflex (57%), positive Romberg sign (28%), ankle clonus (25%), positive Hoffman sign (26%), impaired tandem walk (23%), dysmetria (15%) and dysdiadochokinesia (13%). MRI and contrast-enhanced CT imaging of the cervical spine revealed stenosis. The mean antero-posterior (AP) spinal canal diameter at C2/3, C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7 and C7/T1 was 13.5 mm, 11.8 mm, 11.5 mm, 10.4 mm, 11.3 mm and 14.5 mm respectively, (CT images). In 46% of patients, the AP spinal diameter at C5/6 measured 10 mm, or less, with the neck positioned in mild extension, i.e., clinically significant spinal canal stenosis. MRI of the brain revealed tonsillar ectopia >5 mm in 20% of patients (mean=7.1±1.8 mm), i.e., Chiari 1 malformation.Conclusion Our findings indicate that some patients who carry the diagnosis of fibromyalgia have both signs and symptoms consistent with cervical myelopathy, most likely resulting from spinal cord compression. We recommend detailed neurological evaluation of patients with fibromyalgia in order to exclude cervical myelopathy, a potentially treatable condition.     

Postoperative spinal cord herniation diagnosed by metrizamide CT: a case report

A 55-year-old man came to our hospital, complaining of progressive deterioration of gait disturbance 13 years following C4-7 laminectomy. Neurological examination showed marked spastic gait, hyperreflexia in the lower limbs, ankle clonus, hypesthesia below C5, and loss of position and vibratory sensations in great toes. Preoperative metrizamide CT clearly demonstrated pseudomeningocele and cervical cord herniation through the dural defect at C6-7 and narrow canal at C3. Moreover, sagittal and coronal reconstructions reveal a clear-cut posterior displacement of the cervical cord with posterior protrusion of the cord through the possible dural defect and the obvious extent of pseudomeningocele. At the operation, herniation of the posterior aspect of the cord through the dural defect at C6-7 was encountered as well as pseudomeningocele from the leakage at the C5 level. The cause of spinal cord herniation is classified into i) congenital, ii) traumatic, iii) iatrogenic. An iatrogenic spinal cord herniation is rare and its preoperative diagnosis used to be hard. Discussion was made on the points of preoperative diagnosis of a postoperative spinal cord herniation by metrizamide CT.     

Cervical Radiculopathy Due to Disc Herniation with Adjacent Facet Hypertrophy: Case Report

We report a rare case of cervical radiculopathy associated with facet hypertrophy and disc herniation. The patient was a 38-year-old woman with sudden-onset left arm pain. As conservative therapy failed to alleviate her symptoms she was referred to us. On physical examination she manifested no neurological deficits except pain and dysesthesia in the left C7 territory. Computed tomography revealed hypertrophic ossified changes in the left T1 facet joint with encroachment on the spinal canal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed compression of the spinal cord at C6/7 by disc herniation at C6/7. Anterior cervical decompression and fusion by corpectomy (C7 corpectomy and C6/T1 fixation with a titanium cage) ameliorated her pain. Facet hypertrophy in a morphologically normal cervicothoracic spine is extremely rare and its etiology is unknown. We speculate the possibility that our patient harbored a congenital anomaly and that the morphologic changes were the consequence of an injury she sustained in a traffic accident.     

Diastematomyelia combined with disc herniation at T 6/7 in an adult. Case report

A case of thoracic diastematomyelia associated with acute disc herniation is reported. The female patient noted sensory and motor symptoms at 49 years of age, four months before hospitalization. Myelography, myelo-computerized tomography and nuclear resonance tomography of the thoracic spine and cord showed the region of diastematomyelia with an additional disc herniation at T 6/7. The bone spur and the disc was successfully excised. Post-operatively, the patient's deficits improved.     

Thoracic extruded disc mimicking spinal cord tumor.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Thoracic disc herniation is a rare condition. Distinguishing between a herniated disc and tumor for a lesion found at the thoracic level can be a diagnostic challenge.PURPOSE: To describe a case of thoracic disc herniation that mimicked a spinal cord tumor. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Case report and review of the literature.P ATIENT SAMPLE: Case report. OUTCOME MEASURES: Report of postoperative symptoms. METHODS/DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with progressively worsening weakness in both lower extremities, increased numbness of both lower extremities, pain radiating into his groin bilaterally and left foot drop. During a recent visit to his family physician, the patient's legs gave out and he collapsed. Physical examination revealed markedly increased tone in both extremities. Magnetic resonance images at T11-12 showed signal abnormality in the anterior extradural space, which extended posterior and inferior to the disc level to the left of midline. An extramedullary lesion found in the posterior spinal canal showed a low signal on T1 image and a high but heterogeneous signal on T2-weighted images. Preoperative diagnosis was neoplasm. A bilateral decompressive laminectomy was performed under operative magnification and ultrasonography. A large extruded disc was found that migrated from the ventral aspect around the thecal sac and into the dorsal aspect, which compressed the sac to the right. The extradural lesion was dissected off the surrounding thecal sac. Postoperatively, the patient underwent rehabilitation and is able to walk with only minimal weakness of both legs. CONCLUSIONS: Determining the diagnosis for thoracic spinal lesions, either disc herniation or tumor, is a diagnostic challenge.     

Thoracic disk herniation with hematoma--case report

A 54-year-old man presented with an extremely rare case of intervertebral disk herniation with hematoma in the thoracic spine, manifesting as acute progressive numbness and muscle weakness in the bilateral lower extremities. He had been treated with anticoagulants. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed intervertebral disk herniation and severe compression of the spinal cord at T9-10, appearing as hyperintense on T(1)- and hypointense on T(2)-weighted imaging suggestive of concomitant hematoma. His symptoms completely resolved after resection of the brownish herniated disk material. Old hemorrhage was also aspirated from the intervertebral disk space. Hemosiderin deposition was found in the cartilaginous tissue of the resected disk. Intervertebral disk herniation with hematoma is extremely rare, but may occur in patients with bleeding diathesis.     

Using intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring as a diagnostic tool for determining levels to decompress in the cervical spine: a case report

OBJECTIVE: This report describes the clinical usefulness of using intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring as a diagnostic tool for determining levels to decompress in the cervical spine. METHODS: A 59-year-old man was experiencing intractable neck and left upper extremity pain after sustaining a second spinal injury. (The patient had previously undergone an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-C6 with plating to treat injuries from a motor vehicle accident.) On examination, he had no motor changes but did have pain in his left upper extremity and numbness of the left thumb and index finger. A myelogram and postmyelogram computed tomography scan revealed a disc herniation at C4-C5 with severe neural foraminal disease on the left side of C4-C5 and residual posterior osteophytes with questionable neuroforaminal stenosis on the left side of C5-C6. Routine electrophysiologic studies showed mild irritation of the left biceps (left C5-C6 nerve root), indicating radiculopathy. The patient was admitted with plans to undergo plate removal, exploration of the fusion at C5-C6, and an anterior cervical discectomy with foraminotomies and fusion at C4-C5. Continuous free-running electromyography was recorded during the surgical procedures. RESULTS: The surgery was performed as planned; however, the irritation observed at C5-C6 did not subside. Relying on this information, as an extension of the patient's history and physical examination, a decision was made to remove the previous fusion at C5-C6 and to explore the left C6 root. A very tight neural foramen was found at this level. After decompression and foraminotomy, no electrophysiologic activity above baseline was recorded at C5-C6. The patient was then fused and plated from C4 to C6, and awoke with no left upper extremity pain. Neurologic examination was normal immediately after surgery and at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative, continuous free-running electromyography proved clinically effective in determining the course of surgery.     

Anterolateral extradural approach for C2-C3 disc herniation: technical case report

High cervical disc herniations (C2-C3) are extremely rare, and various approaches have been used to treat C2-C3. In this report, we recommend the anterolateral extradural approach as an alternative to treat C2-C3 disc herniation. A 72-year-old woman was referred to us with severe pain in the left side of her neck and occipital region. She had been taking high doses of analgesics but had no myelopathic symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed that left paramedian, extruded C2-C3 disc material was compressing the spinal cord and the left C3 nerve root. A left-sided anterolateral extradural approach was done to remove the extruded disc material at the C2-C3 level. After resection of the transverse processes of C1 and C2, the V3 segment of the vertebral artery was mobilized posteromedially. The extruded disc material was carefully removed, and the vertebral artery was freed and repositioned. The anterolateral extradural approach to a C2-C3 disc herniation is a good alternative, especially in patients with thick or short necks.     

Modified surgical technique for the treatment of idiopathic spinal cord herniation.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Spinal cord herniation is not a common disease and only 80 cases have been reported to the best of our knowledge. The treatment of this lesion is thought to be difficult and a better surgical technique has not been established. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old man presented with gradually worsening spastic gait and hypoesthesia in the bilateral lower extremities suspected to be due to Brown-Séquard syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a thoracic spinal cord herniation into the anterior hiatus at T2 - 3. INTERVENTION: A modified technique of closure of the hiatus in front of the herniation was performed. A surgical artificial dural membrane was introduced between the herniated portion of the thoracic cord and the dural hiatus and was placed to cover the whole dural defect in order to minimize the operative procedure at the ventral side of the spinal cord. On subsequent magnetic resonance imaging, the herniation was remarkably improved and patient's symptoms were abolished. CONCLUSION: The direct widening of the dural defect has been reported to be the only treatment providing a good outcome. We suggest that our modified technique for its closure can be as safe and effective as the direct widening method.     

寰枢关节不稳或脱位患者上颈椎曲度改变对下颈椎的影响

目的:探讨寰枢关节不稳或脱位患者上颈椎的曲度变化对下颈椎力线和退变的影响.方法:在148例寰枢关节不稳定或脱位患者的颈椎中立位X线片上测量CO-1、C1-2、CO-2及C2-7角度,评估颈椎间盘的退变程度.分析上、下颈椎曲度之间以及颈椎曲度与年龄、病程之间的相关性,观察不同年龄组上颈椎曲度对下颈椎椎间盘退行变的影响.结果:CO-1角度为-22.9°18.6°(n=88);CI-2角度为-31.7°～39.1°(n=88);CO-2角度为-35.2°～44.8°(n=148);C2-7角度为-17.4°77.8.(n=148).C1-2和C2-7角度之间、C0-2与C2-7角度间、C0-1与C1-2角度之间存在显著负相关性.上、下颈椎曲度与病程、年龄无相关性.30～39岁组、40～49岁组及50～59岁组C5/6椎间盘退变、60岁以上组C2/3椎间盘退变与上颈椎角度(C0-2角度)之间存在显著负相关.结论:上、下颈椎曲度间存在密切关系,寰椎前脱位可导致下颈椎出现代偿性过度前凸,即鹅颈畸形,鹅颈畸形可能加速下颈椎的退变进程.     

The symptomatic incompetent cervical intervertebral disc

A series of 16 patients with symptoms such as pain in the neck, occiput, shoulder and arm; numbness in the hands; and/or difficulty in walking, is described. Neurological examination of the upper extremities disclosed signs of nerve roots dysfunction in 5 patients and long tract signs in 12, whereas examination of the lower extremities disclosed long tract signs in every patient. Positive contrast cervical myelograms suggested mild posterior bulging of one or two intervertebral discs in every patient, but computed tomographic myelograms invariably demonstrated a coincident narrow cervical spinal canal, thus revealing the true compressive potential of the aforementioned mild disc protrusion on the spinal cord. All patients underwent anterior cervical microdiscectomy of the offending disc or discs, which were found to be degenerated. No case of frank rupture of the anulus was identified. Response to treatment was graded as excellent in 12 patients, who had complete relief of symptoms, and good in 4 patients, who had mild residual complaints. This study suggests that incompetence (bulging) of a cervical intervertebral disc may acquire important clinical significance in the presence of a narrow spinal canal by compressing the spinal cord and the corresponding nerve roots. Surgical removal of the diseased disc may result in restoration of neurological function.