Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
4.9K
Traumatic Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation without Bone Injury
Hyun-Woo Lee1, Young-Min Kwon1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
Korean Journal of Spine
|April 24, 2014
Summary
Traumatic intradural lumbar disc herniation is exceptionally rare, often mistaken for other conditions. This case highlights a unique instance of traumatic disc herniation causing spinal symptoms after a fall.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Intradural lumbar disc herniation is a rare spinal condition.
- Most reported cases are associated with chronic degenerative disc disease.
- Traumatic intradural lumbar disc herniation is exceedingly rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of traumatic intradural lumbar disc herniation.
- To differentiate traumatic from degenerative causes of intradural disc herniation.
- To highlight diagnostic and surgical considerations for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 52-year-old male patient presenting with neurological deficits after a fall.
- Initial diagnosis based on radiologic findings (spinal subdural hematoma).
- Surgical exploration revealing a ruptured disc particle penetrating the dura.
Main Results:
- Operative findings confirmed a disc fragment penetrating both the ventral and dorsal dura.
- The herniation was determined to be traumatic in origin, not degenerative.
- Patient presented with numbness in the left calf and ankle.
Conclusions:
- Traumatic intradural lumbar disc herniation is a rare entity that can mimic other spinal pathologies.
- Prompt surgical intervention may be necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
- This case underscores the importance of considering trauma in the etiology of intradural disc herniations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
40
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...
40
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
30
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
30
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
29
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...
29
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
25
Spinal cord injury progresses through two interconnected phases: primary injury and secondary injury.Primary InjuryPrimary injury happens at the moment of trauma and involves immediate mechanical damage to the spinal cord.Compression happens when broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or accumulating blood (such as a hematoma) press directly against the spinal cord, distorting its normal shape and function. In cases of contusion, the cord is bruised by a blunt force (like penetrating injuries or...
25