Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
01:24
Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
Published on: September 8, 2023
[Retro-odontoid disc herniation extracted using the posterior-lateral transdural approach: case report]
Hiroyuki Koizumi1, Satoru Shimizu, Hidehiro Oka
1Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Sagamihara-ctiy, Kanagawa 228-8555, Japan.
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|February 1, 2008
Summary
A rare case of retro-odontoid disc herniation caused severe spinal cord compression. Surgical decompression led to significant symptom improvement, highlighting effective management for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Cervical myelopathy can result from various spinal cord compressions.
- Retro-odontoid masses are uncommon causes of cervical spinal cord compression.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old woman presented with neck pain and progressive weakness in all extremities.
- Neuroradiological imaging identified a retro-odontoid mass compressing the upper cervical spinal cord.
Findings:
- Surgical decompression via a postero-lateral transdural approach was performed.
- Histological analysis confirmed the mass was degenerative disc material, not neoplastic.
- The patient experienced marked improvement in neurological symptoms post-surgery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the rarity and diagnostic challenge of retro-odontoid disc herniation.
- Surgical intervention is effective for managing cervical myelopathy caused by this condition.
- Highlights the importance of considering disc material as a cause of retro-odontoid masses.
