[Thoracic intervertebral disk prolapse]

Prolapse the of thoracic intervertebral discs is very rare, and the symptoms are extremely ambiguous. If intradisk calcification can be seen in the X-ray pictures, a tentative diagnosis of thoracic intervertebral disc prolapse is possible, provided there are typical neurological deficits. Spinal computerized tomography is the best method of diagnosis, if it is possible to determine the segment level. Prolapse of the thoracic intervertebral disc must be operated upon if there are clinical signs. The operative results of laminectomy are poor; dorsolateral or ventrolateral surgical approaches have a much better prognosis.