Intraradicular disc herniations in the lumbar spine and a new classification of intradural disc herniations

A case report of intraradicular disc herniation. Intraradicular disc herniation is a special type of intradural disc herniations. In this report, we present the tenth case of intraradicular lumbar disc herniation and suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations.

A 32-year-old male was admitted to hospital having experienced pain in the lower back and right leg for 1 month prior to admission. Neurological examination revealed weakness of the extensor hallucis longus, positive Laségue's sign, decreased ankle reflex in his right lower extremity, and bilateral paravertebral muscle spasm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a disc herniation with a posterolateral extruded fragment on the right at the level of the L5-S1 space. He underwent L5 laminectomy. During the operation, the right S1 root was found to be swollen and immobile. A longitudinal incision was made in the dura of the right S1 root and an intradural free disc fragment was removed, and the S1 root was relieved. The patient was free of pain postoperatively.

We suggest a new classification for intradural disc herniations with this unusual case presentation and review the literature for pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment.