Related Experiment Videos
Isolated C3-C4 disc herniations present as a painless myelopathy
Faisal T Sayer1, Aleksander M Vitali, Scott Paquette
1Department of Neurosurgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|December 18, 2007
Summary
Cervical disc herniations at C3-C4 are rare but can cause myelopathy. Early diagnosis and spinal cord decompression lead to favorable outcomes for this uncommon condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spine Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Cervical disc herniations at the C3-C4 level are rare.
- This case series presents the first reported instances of isolated C3-C4 disc herniations causing myelopathy.
Observation:
- A case series of four patients with myelopathy due to isolated C3-C4 disc herniations was reviewed.
- Patients presented between 1999 and 2005 at Vancouver General Hospital's spine unit.
Findings:
- C3-C4 disc herniations may present with minimal pain and prominent hand numbness.
- Early diagnosis and surgical intervention, including spinal cord decompression, resulted in improved neurological status.
Implications:
- C3-C4 disc herniation as a cause of myelopathy may be underdiagnosed.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical decompression offer a favorable prognosis for patients with C3-C4 disc herniation-induced myelopathy.
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...
01:23Degenerative 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...
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...