Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Multilevel Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Disc Disease with Instability
Published on: July 25, 2025
Spontaneous regression of a large lumbar disc herniation: report of an illustrative case
K V Slavin1, A Raja, J Thornton
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Abstract:
A case of spontaneous regression of a large herniated disc at the lumbar level is presented. The disc regression correlated with clinical improvement and was documented on serial MRI studies. Although the phenomenon of spontaneous disappearance of decrease in size of herniated disc fragments is well known, the exact mechanism underlying this process remains unclear. This report discusses three possible explanations for disc regression: retraction into the intervertebral space, dehydration/shrinkage, and resorption due to inflammatory reaction.
Related Concept Videos
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology