[A Case of Central-Type Disc Herniation at the C7/T1 Level Presenting with Myelopathy]

In contrast to other levels of upper disc spaces, the Luschka joints are usually absent at the C7/T1 disc space. Therefore, it has been reported that the C7/T1 disc herniation is prone to herniate laterally rather than centrally. In this manuscript, we describe an extremely rare central-type disc herniation at the C7/T1 level presented with myelopathy. A 76-year-old man presented with a 20-day history of progressive gait disturbance. Physical examination revealed bilateral lower extremity hyperreflexia and mild foot numbness with no upper extremity motor weakness or sensory disturbance. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed severe spinal cord compression at the C7/T1 level caused by a central-type disc herniation. We removed the herniated disc and performed anterior fusion with a titanium box cage. Lower extremity numbness and weakness diminished rapidly. Three weeks later, cervical MRI showed a well-decompressed spinal cord and almost normal gait. We reevaluated the preoperative computed tomography of this patient and confirmed the absence of Luschka joints at the C7/T1 level. Although the condition is rare, clinicians should consider the possibility of C7/T1 disc herniation in patients with leg weakness or numbness but no or few hand-related symptoms.