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Spontaneous regression of intervertebral disc herniation--case reports
Sasa Rapan1, Gordan Gulan, Ivan Lovrić
1J J Strossmayer University, Osijek University Hospital Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osijek, Croatia. sasa.rapan@gmail.com
Collegium Antropologicum
|June 14, 2011
Summary
Lumbar disc hernia (LDH) often resolves without surgery, with MRI showing reduced fragment size and symptom improvement. Conservative treatment can lead to significant recovery for large disc extrusions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Lumbar disc hernia (LDH) is a frequent cause of low back pain and leg pain.
- Most LDH cases show spontaneous recovery, making surgery not always the primary treatment.
Observation:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrates spontaneous regression of herniated disc fragment size.
- Symptomatic and neurological improvements correlate with disc fragment size reduction.
Findings:
- Conservative management of large lumbar disc extrusions can lead to significant symptom relief.
- MRI documented simultaneous reduction in herniated disc fragment size and patient-reported difficulties.
Implications:
- Non-operative treatment is a viable option for select LDH patients with large disc extrusions.
- MRI is crucial for monitoring conservative treatment progress and outcomes in LDH.
- These findings support conservative care protocols for lumbar disc hernia management.
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