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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
05:53
Intraoperative Ultrasound in Spinal Surgery
Published on: August 17, 2022
Calcified thoracic disc herniation with paraparesis. A case report
1Department of Orthopedics, Methodist Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis.
Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Partially calcified thoracic discs can extrude into the spinal canal, causing paraparesis. This case highlights challenges in surgical removal due to the disc material
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Thoracic disc herniation is relatively uncommon.
- Calcification within intervertebral discs can alter their mechanical properties.
- Spinal canal compromise can lead to neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A case of thoracic disc extrusion with partial calcification is presented.
- The extruded disc material occupied the spinal canal.
- The patient presented with paraparesis.
Findings:
- The extruded thoracic disc had a paste-like consistency due to partial calcification.
- This unusual consistency complicated the surgical excision procedure.
- Neurological deficit (paraparesis) was associated with the disc extrusion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering disc composition in surgical planning for thoracic disc herniations.
- The paste-like nature of calcified discs may require modified surgical techniques.
- Further research into the biomechanics and surgical management of calcified disc herniations is warranted.
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