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T2-3 Thoracic disc herniation with myelopathy
Ken Deitch1, Carl Chudnofsky, Michael Young
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19141, USA.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 3, 2007
Summary
This case study highlights a rare thoracic disc herniation causing spinal cord compression. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention for thoracic disc herniation are crucial for improving neurological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniation is a rare condition causing spinal cord compression.
- It often presents with atypical symptoms, delaying diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with lower back numbness and fecal incontinence.
- Neurological examination revealed hyperreflexia and gait abnormalities without radicular pain.
- MRI confirmed a large T2-3 level herniated disc.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful T2-3 anterior discectomy and fusion.
- Post-surgery, weakness and gait improved, but fecal incontinence persisted.
- This indicates potential for incomplete recovery of certain neurological deficits.
Implications:
- Thoracic disc herniation, though uncommon, is a treatable cause of neurological deficits.
- Prompt recognition and surgical management are vital to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
- Persistent symptoms like fecal incontinence underscore the complexity of spinal cord decompression outcomes.
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