[Transdural rupture of lumbar intervertebral disk prolapse]

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Spinal Surgery
• Neurology

Background:

• Intervertebral disc prolapse (IDP) is a common condition.
• Intradural IDP, where the disc herniates within the spinal canal's dura mater, is exceedingly rare.
• Previous literature documented only 41 cases of intradural disc prolapse up to 1981.

Observation:

• Two new cases of intradural disc prolapse are presented.
• One patient exhibited two simultaneous total intrathecal disc sequestrations.
• These sequestrations originated from the L3/4 and L4/5 intervertebral spaces.

Findings:

• The presented cases add to the limited global data on intradural disc prolapse.
• The simultaneous occurrence of multiple intrathecal disc sequestrations in a single patient is unprecedented in published literature.
• Surgical intervention revealed the extent of the intradural disc herniation.

Implications:

• Highlights the extreme rarity and varied presentations of intradural disc prolapse.
• Suggests the need for heightened awareness and diagnostic consideration of intradural disc herniation in complex spinal cases.
• Underscores the importance of surgical exploration for definitive diagnosis and management of these rare conditions.