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Thoracic disc herniation and spinal cord injury
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|October 1, 1988
Summary
A posterior approach for herniated thoracic discs can lead to severe spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis. Alternative surgical methods are reviewed to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniation is a rare condition that can cause severe neurological deficits.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary to decompress the spinal cord.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male experienced progressive thoracic myelopathy after a fall.
- Laminectomy via a standard posterior approach revealed a herniated thoracic disc compressing the spinal cord.
- The patient became paraplegic postoperatively.
Findings:
- The standard posterior approach for thoracic discectomy carries significant risks of neurological damage.
- A series of three patients experienced poor outcomes following this surgical method.
- Alternative surgical approaches may offer better safety and efficacy.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the potential complications of posterior thoracic discectomy.
- Reviewing alternative surgical techniques is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.
- Improved surgical approaches are needed to prevent severe outcomes like paralysis in thoracic myelopathy patients.