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Lumbar disk disease in pregnancy
S H Garmel1, G A Guzelian, J G D'Alton
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Tufts Univeristy School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Lumbar disk herniation in pregnancy is uncommon but serious. Surgical intervention may be necessary for severe symptoms, with good outcomes for mother and baby.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Obstetrics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Lumbar disk herniation (LDH) is a rare condition during pregnancy.
- This case series reviews three pregnant patients diagnosed with LDH over a two-year period.
Observation:
- Patients presented with progressive back pain, paresthesias, and urinary retention.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized for diagnosis in all cases.
- Conservative management failed in all three patients, necessitating surgical intervention.
Findings:
- Surgical treatment for LDH in pregnant patients led to symptom improvement.
- All patients experienced successful delivery at or near term following surgery.
Implications:
- LDH should be considered in pregnant women with significant back or leg pain.
- MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for LDH in pregnancy.
- While conservative treatment is preferred, surgery is indicated for incapacitating pain, progressive neurological deficits, or bowel/bladder dysfunction.