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Movement disorders after intervertebral disc surgery: coincidence or causal relationship?
Hans-Holger Capelle1, Johannes C Wöhrle, Ralf Weigel
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Klinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
Movement Disorders : Official Journal of the Movement Disorder Society
|September 16, 2004
Summary
Spinal disc surgery can lead to new movement disorders like dystonia or tremor, often linked to persistent pain. This study highlights a rare but significant complication following spinal procedures.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Central nervous system lesions are known causes of movement disorders.
- The role of peripheral neural lesions in movement disorder pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- Six patients developed movement disorders post-spinal disc surgery (cervical or lumbar).
- Onset ranged from 1 day to 12 months post-surgery.
- Disorders included dystonia and tremor, with symptoms related to the operated spinal level and persistent pain.
Findings:
- Spinal disc surgery is identified as a potential cause of movement disorders.
- Postoperative pain syndrome appears to be a key factor in the development of these disorders.
- The anatomical distribution of movement disorders correlated with the affected nerve root or spinal segment.
Implications:
- This study suggests spinal disc surgery is a previously overlooked cause of movement disorders.
- Recognizing this association is crucial for diagnosis and management of postoperative complications.
- While rare, these movement disorders can cause significant patient distress.