[Paralysis of the foot as the first symptom of a herniated thoracic disc]

Herniated thoracic discs are uncommon entities that are difficult to diagnose. They may be associated with a myriad of symptoms, which often delays diagnosis. In general dorsal pain that radiats around the chest or abdomen are found. In case of spinal cord compression signs of thoracal myelopathy are common. This paper describes a patient with a complete paralysis of the left foot as the first symptom of a herniated thoracic disc. After frustrated diagnostic of the lumbar spine, the exact neurological examination showed a sensible cut at the level of D6/7, the MR tomography diagnosed a herniated thoracic disc at the same level. Four months later he was presented again with a plegia of the left foot and a sensible cut at the level D5/6. The MR tomography showed a herniated disc at the level above the spondylodesis. The immediately performed transthoracic disc excision and fusion of D6/7 was followed by complete remission of the plegia and the sensible cut. Four months later we performed a rethoracotomy, disc excision and decompression with a spondylodesis D5/6. The procedure was again followed by complete remission. In case of paralysis of the lower extremities one has to consider a herniated thoracic disc.