Intraradicular disc herniation: a case report and review of the literature

Intradural disc herniation accounts for < 0.3% of all disc herniations. Intraradicular disc herniation accounts for 4.1% of all such cases. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult, and a high index of suspicion during surgery is required for the diagnosis. We present a patient with intraradicular disc herniation in the lumbar region whose symptoms were severe enough to recommend surgery. The myelogram showed a block at the involved nerve root. Diagnosis of intraradicular herniation was made during surgery. The symptoms were immediately relieved by surgery. The literature on intradural and intraradicular disc herniation is reviewed.