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Related Concept Videos

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated 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...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative 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...
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Degenerative 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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
05:53

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Thoracic intervertebral disk herniation: a commonly missed diagnosis.

M Scott Linscott1, Ryan Heyborne

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 31, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Diagnosing thoracic disk herniation is challenging. This study found injury in half of cases, with back pain and weakness as common symptoms, aiding physicians in identifying this serious condition.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
05:53

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery

Published on: August 17, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Distinguishing benign back pain from serious causes is difficult in clinical practice.
  • Thoracic intervertebral disk herniation (TIDH) diagnosis is frequently missed due to complex presentations.
  • TIDH can lead to significant morbidity if not promptly identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical presentation and associated factors of thoracic intervertebral disk herniation.
  • To enhance diagnostic accuracy for TIDH in emergency and office settings.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 78 patient charts with confirmed thoracic disk herniation.
  • Analysis of presenting symptoms, physical findings, and associated injuries.
  • Largest single study on TIDH in the world's literature.

Main Results:

  • Injury was associated with TIDH in approximately 50% of patients, a higher rate than previously reported.
  • Back pain (73%) and weakness (42%) were the most common symptoms and physical findings, respectively.
  • Neuropathic findings were present in 85% of patients; 26% had multiple herniations.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic intervertebral disk herniation is often associated with injury and presents with common symptoms like back pain and weakness.
  • High prevalence of neuropathic findings suggests a need for thorough neurological examination.
  • Increased physician awareness of these findings can improve the diagnosis of this potentially serious condition.