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Updated: May 19, 2026

Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Cervical cord compression due to intradiscal gouty tophus: brief report
Jose Luis Sanmillan Blasco1, Noemi Vidal Sarro, Alexei Marnov
1Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. joseluis@gmail.com
Study Design:
We describe an unusual cause of myelopathy with a discussion of similar cases previously reported in the literature.
Objective:
To report a case of myelopathy due to intradiscal gouty tophus.
Summary Of Background Data:
Spinal involvement in gout is uncommon. Cervical spinal cord compression caused by gout is particularly rare.
Methods:
We report the case of a 71-year-old man with a history of hyperuricemia gout. Spastic quadriparesis developed for more than 4 months. Magnetic resonance image of the cervical spine revealed a herniated cervical disc at the C3-C4 level. Anterior discectomy was performed. Intradiscal chalky white granular material was found during surgery.
Results:
Histological examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated a gouty tophus. The patient regained strength in all extremities in the postoperative period and required rehabilitation treatment.
Conclusion:
Spinal gout should be considered in all patients presenting myelopathy and history of gout. When progressive neurological symptoms develop, surgical decompression can provide a satisfactory outcome.
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