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Intradural disc herniation associated with epidural gas
A M Hidalgo-Ovejero1, S Garcia-Mata, T Izco-Cabezon
1Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Clínica Urbamín, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
Spine
|February 25, 1998
Summary
Spine surgeons should consider intradural herniated discs when epidural gas is present on CT scans. This rare association requires careful intraoperative examination to avoid missing intradural disc fragments.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Intradural herniated discs are rare, as is the presence of epidural gas.
- Only three prior cases of this association have been documented in medical literature.
- The rarity of this combination is surprising given the individual occurrences of each condition.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with an intradural herniated disc and epidural gas.
- Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings were used to document the case.
- A review of existing literature on herniated discs with epidural gas and intradural herniations was conducted.
Findings:
- During open discectomy, an intradural disc herniation was discovered after a negative epidural examination.
- The intradural disc herniation was successfully removed.
- The patient experienced a satisfactory postoperative recovery.
Implications:
- Spine surgeons must consider the possibility of intradural herniated discs in patients with epidural gas on CT scans.
- Intradural exploration may be necessary if no clear disc herniation is found during surgery to explain symptoms or imaging.
- This highlights the importance of thorough intraoperative assessment to prevent overlooking intradural disc fragments.