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Symptomatic gas-containing disc herniation. Report of four cases
W W Mortensen1, R P Thorne, W F Donaldson
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California.
Spine
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Gas within the lumbar spine disc (radiographic vacuum phenomenon) can cause herniations. Surgical removal of gas-containing herniated discs relieved radicular symptoms in four patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Intradiscal gas collection, known as the radiographic vacuum phenomenon, is frequently observed in lumbar spine imaging.
- This phenomenon is typically associated with degenerative disc disease.
Observation:
- Four cases of lumbar disc herniations containing gas were identified and surgically confirmed.
- Patients presented with radicular symptoms attributed to these gas-containing herniations.
Findings:
- Surgery revealed minimal nuclear material within the herniated discs.
- All four patients experienced significant relief from radicular symptoms post-operatively.
Implications:
- Gas-containing herniated discs can be a source of radicular pain.
- Surgical intervention may be effective for relieving symptoms associated with these specific types of disc herniations.