Thoracic intervertebral disc herniations: diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging

Thoracic disc herniation is relatively rare and frequently poses a challenge in clinical diagnosis. These protrusions have been categorized into two major anatomical types and three main clinical syndromes. A number of characteristic radiographic features have been reported. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained popularity as a neurodiagnostic imaging tool. A series of nine cases of thoracic intervertebral disc herniation is reported. The clinical aspects of the cases are discussed, and the potential value of spine MRI for thoracic disc herniation diagnosis is emphasized.