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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
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The Third Channel-Assisted Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Technique for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Combined with Contralateral Disc Herniation
Published on: November 17, 2023
Single-level bilateral facet joint hypertrophy causing thoracic spinal canal stenosis
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Epworth Hospital, Richmond 3121, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Rare thoracic spinal stenosis from facet joint hypertrophy caused leg weakness. Surgical decompression and fusion led to significant symptom improvement, highlighting an unusual cause of spinal canal narrowing.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Imaging
Background:
- Thoracic spinal stenosis is uncommon, especially when caused by posterior element hypertrophy.
- Facet joint hypertrophy is a known cause of spinal stenosis, but typically affects lumbar or cervical levels.
Observation:
- A rare case of bilateral zygapophyseal (facet) joint hypertrophy exclusively at the T10-T11 thoracic level is presented.
- This hypertrophy resulted in thoracic canal stenosis, leading to bilateral leg weakness and numbness.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Surgical intervention involved a wide decompressive laminectomy and posterolateral bone fusion.
- Postoperative outcomes showed marked improvement in neurological symptoms and signs.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential causes for thoracic spinal stenosis.
- Highlights the importance of considering facet joint hypertrophy even at single thoracic levels.
- Demonstrates the efficacy of surgical decompression and fusion for this rare condition.
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