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Herniated thoracic disks: treatment and outcome
T R Ridenour1, S F Haddad, P W Hitchon
1Department of Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242-1061.
Journal of Spinal Disorders
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Surgical approaches for thoracic disc herniation vary, with outcomes like pain and weakness persisting in half of patients post-surgery. Long-term follow-up data remains limited for this spinal condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Optimal surgical techniques for thoracic disc herniation are debated.
- Limited long-term follow-up data exists for surgical interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review surgical outcomes for thoracic disc herniation.
- To analyze different surgical approaches and their long-term results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 31 patients undergoing surgery for thoracic disc herniation between 1975 and 1992.
- Analysis of three surgical approaches: laminectomy, transpedicular surgery, and costotransversectomy.
- Evaluation of neurological recovery, complications, and persistent symptoms.
Main Results:
- 16 of 33 herniated discs were located at or below the T10-11 level.
- Post-surgery, 9 of 18 patients with weakness experienced resolution.
- Complications included transient neurological deterioration, wound infections, and need for reoperation.
- Half of the patients continued to experience pain or weakness after surgery.
Conclusions:
- Surgical outcomes for thoracic disc herniation show variable recovery rates.
- A significant portion of patients experience persistent symptoms post-operatively.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal surgical strategies and improve long-term outcomes.