Paraplegia due to intervertebral disc lesions: a review of 57 operated cases

In a review of 57 cases of paraplegia due to surgically confirmed disc protrusion (representing 0.9 per cent of all admissions to the National Spinal Injuries Centre), seven were in the cervical, 31 in the dorsal and 19 in the lumbar regions. Patients with dorsal disc protrusions treated by laminectomy had the worst neurological outcome. A recent decline in the incidence of neurological dysfunction following disc excision is noted and its probable causes discussed.