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[A study on the problem of thoracic discprolapse (author's transl)]
Neurochirurgia
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Surgery for thoracic disc prolapse improved 15 of 20 patients. This study highlights surgical outcomes for this rare spinal condition, emphasizing diagnosis and treatment methods.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Thoracic disc prolapse is a rare condition, accounting for 1.2% of all disc prolapses.
- Symptoms include radiating pain, leg weakness (paraparesis), and bladder dysfunction.
- The condition affects individuals with an average age of 50.3 years, with no significant gender predilection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report surgical outcomes for patients with thoracic disc prolapse.
- To analyze the incidence, preferred spinal levels, and clinical presentation of thoracic disc prolapse.
- To evaluate diagnostic methods and surgical techniques for thoracic disc prolapse.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 20 patients surgically treated for thoracic disc prolapse over ten years.
- Diagnosis confirmed by myelography with positive contrast medium, identifying characteristic filling defects.
- Surgical interventions included laminectomy (17 cases) and hemilaminectomy (3 cases), with division of the dentate ligament and occasional rhizotomy.
Main Results:
- The most common sites for thoracic disc prolapse were the Th 10-11 and Th 11-12 segments.
- Surgical intervention resulted in improvement for 15 patients.
- Two patients experienced worsening of their condition, and three showed no change post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment can be effective for thoracic disc prolapse, with a majority of patients experiencing improvement.
- Accurate diagnosis using myelography is crucial for surgical planning.
- Division of the dentate ligament is a consistent part of the surgical approach.