Stenosis of the nerve root canal caused by disc resorption.

Stenosis of the nerve root canal caused by isolated resorption of a lumbar disc is a frequently observed pathology, but one about which the orthopaedist still knows relatively little. Henry Crock was the first to reveal its principal pathogenetic factor, disc resorption, and to accurately describe the syndrome and its surgical treatment. A total of 22 patients operated according to Henry Crock's indications and followed-up after 2 years were reviewed. In 20 cases decompression alone was performed, while in 2 cases anterior fusion and MOSS instrumentation were associated. Of the 22 patients submitted to decompression 17 revealed complete regression of pain. Three cases failed: 1 patient had previously been treated with chymopapain, while 3 are awaiting anterior fusion to treat persistent lumbar pain. Follow-up is not sufficient for the two patients submitted to anterior fusion.