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Updated: May 6, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
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Spontaneous cervical intradural disc herniation
Abhijit G Warade1, Basant K Misra1
1Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Veer Savarkar Marg, Mahim, Mumbai 400016, Maharashtra, India.
Summary
This study presents the first reported case of spontaneous cervical intradural disc herniation (IDH) in a 64-year-old man. The condition caused rapid limb weakness without prior trauma, highlighting a novel etiology for this rare spinal condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Cervical intradural disc herniation (IDH) is an exceptionally rare spinal condition.
- Existing literature predominantly associates cervical IDH with traumatic events.
- Spontaneous IDH, particularly in the cervical spine, remains poorly documented.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male presented with acute neck pain and rapid onset of progressive weakness in his left upper and lower extremities.
- No history of trauma was reported preceding the onset of symptoms.
- Cervical spine MRI revealed a C6-C7 disc prolapse.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful C6-C7 discectomy and fusion with a bone graft via an anterior cervical approach.
- Surgical intervention addressed the cervical disc prolapse.
- Post-operative outcomes were not detailed but the procedure was performed.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of spontaneous cervical IDH.
- It challenges the established understanding that cervical IDH is exclusively traumatic.
- Further research is warranted to explore the pathophysiology and incidence of non-traumatic cervical IDH.
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