Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy
01:24

Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Approach for Lumbar Discectomy

Published on: September 8, 2023

The specific sagittal magnetic resonance imaging of intradural extra-arachnoid lumbar disc herniation

Tatsuro Sasaji1, Kiyoshi Horaguchi, Noboru Yamada

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Fukushima Rosai Hospital, 3-Numajiri, Tsuzura-machi, Uchigo, Iwaki 973-8403, Japan.

Case Reports in Medicine
|March 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Intradural extra-arachnoid lumbar disc herniation is rare, with few reported MRI findings. A new "Y sign" on T2-weighted sagittal MRI may help diagnose this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Imaging

Background:

  • Intradural extra-arachnoid lumbar disc herniation is an uncommon condition.
  • Diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI, plays a crucial role in identifying spinal pathologies.
  • Limited specific MRI findings have been documented for this rare herniation type.

Observation:

  • A case of intradural extra-arachnoid lumbar disc herniation was encountered.
  • Preoperative MRI scans were meticulously reviewed to identify characteristic features.
  • Lumbar spine T2-weighted sagittal MRI revealed a unique finding: the ventral dura appeared divided into two lines by the herniated disc.

Findings:

  • The observed division of the ventral dural line on T2-weighted sagittal MRI is proposed as a characteristic diagnostic sign.
  • This sign, characterized by the separation of the dura and arachnoid layers by the herniated disc, resembles the letter 'Y'.
  • The researchers have termed this distinctive imaging finding the "Y sign".

Implications:

  • The "Y sign" may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for intradural extra-arachnoid lumbar disc herniation.
  • Improved diagnostic accuracy can lead to more timely and appropriate treatment strategies.
  • This finding contributes to the understanding of rare spinal conditions and enhances neuroimaging interpretation.

More Related Videos

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation10:09

Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation

Published on: October 14, 2022

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury07:25

Ovine Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Utilizing a Lateral Retroperitoneal Drill Bit Injury

Published on: May 25, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated 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...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging01:24

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical imaging technique based on a phenomenon of nuclear physics discovered in the 1930s, in which matter exposed to magnetic fields and radio waves was found to emit radio signals. In 1970, a physician and researcher named Raymond Damadian noticed that malignant (cancerous) tissue gave off different signals than normal body tissue. He applied for a patent for the first MRI scanning device in clinical use by the early 1980s. The early MRI...
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative 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...