Related Experiment Videos
[Calcification following intradiscal injection, a continuing problem?].
M Darmoul1, M H Bouhaouala, M Rezgui
1Unite de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital des FSI, La Marsa Tunisie. Mehdi.Darmoul@fmt.rnu.tn
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Intradiscal injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide for sciatica can lead to symptomatic epidural calcifications. Surgical treatment is necessary to manage these calcifications and prevent recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intradiscal injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide was previously used for sciatica due to herniated discs.
- This treatment was discontinued due to the risk of subsequent epidural calcification.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old man developed extensive calcifications ten years after an L4-L5 intradiscal injection.
- These calcifications compressed the dural sheath and required multiple surgical excisions.
- Surgical intervention included posterior lateral grafting and osteosynthesis.
Findings:
- Symptomatic calcifications following intradiscal injections occur in 14% to 68% of cases.
- Recurrence of calcifications necessitates further surgical intervention.
Implications:
- Radical surgical treatment is essential for symptomatic calcifications post-intradiscal injection.
- Understanding the long-term risks of epidural calcification is crucial for patient management.
- Alternative treatments for sciatica should be considered.