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Thoracic dorsal ramus entrapment. Case report.
1Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Spain.
Journal of Neurosurgery
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Thoracic spinal nerve entrapment can cause chronic back pain. A T-4 dorsal ramus bone spur compressed the nerve, leading to sensory issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic back pain is a prevalent condition with multifactorial causes.
- Thoracic spinal nerve involvement is less commonly diagnosed than lumbar or cervical issues.
- Sensory disturbances can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.
Observation:
- A case study detailing thoracic spinal nerve entrapment.
- The patient presented with chronic back pain and altered sensation.
- Symptoms correlated with the cutaneous distribution of the T3-5 dorsal rami.
Findings:
- Entrapment of the T-4 dorsal ramus was identified as the source of symptoms.
- A bone spur from the inferior T-4 apophyseal facet was compressing the nerve.
- The entrapment site was a defined tunnel involving osseous and ligamentous structures.
Implications:
- Highlights a specific mechanism for thoracic radicular pain.
- Suggests considering nerve entrapment in refractory chronic back pain.
- Underscores the importance of detailed anatomical assessment in diagnosing spinal pain.