Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Dorsal extradural thoracic disc fragment: a diagnostic challenge
M Partheni1, M Fratzoglou, Ch Kalogeropoulou
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Patras, Patra, Greece.
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|November 25, 2005
Summary
An unusual case of dorsal epidural disc migration in the thoracic spine caused paraparesis. Surgical removal of the sequestered disc fragment led to a full recovery, highlighting its importance in differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Dorsal epidural migration of extruded disc fragments is rare, particularly in the thoracic spine.
- Thoracic spinal lesions often present diagnostic challenges, mimicking tumors.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old male presented with paraparesis and thoracolumbar pain due to a T10-T11 extramedullary mass.
- Initial MRI suggested a tumor, but surgery revealed an encapsulated inflammatory and disc tissue mass.
Findings:
- Pathologic diagnosis confirmed the mass as inflammatory tissue and disc material, not a neoplasm.
- The patient recovered fully after T10-T11 laminectomy with no residual mass on follow-up imaging.
Implications:
- Sequestered thoracic disc fragments should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior extramedullary masses.
- Preoperative diagnosis can be difficult due to overlapping clinical and radiological features with other spinal pathologies, including tumors.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...