T1-2 disc herniation following an en bloc cervical laminoplasty

We report a rare case of T1-2 disc herniation following cervical laminoplasty. A 56-year-old male patient presented with left foot-drop and gait disturbance of abrupt onset 11 years after a successful laminoplasty from C3-7. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal stenosis at T1-2 due to intervertebral disc herniation and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Three days later, laminectomy with disc fragment excision was performed at that level. Two weeks after surgery, he was able to walk without assistance. Mechanical stresses may have directly affected the T1-2 intervertebral disc following laminoplasty and may have caused disc herniation.