[Gaseous degeneration of the intervertebral disc within the lumbar spine]

The finding of gas within the vertebral disc space (vacuum phenomenon) is relatively common. This disorder often presents major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, especially in the presence of multiple degenerative changes and chronic back pain in elderly patients. The author describes pathophysiology and diagnostics of gaseous degeneration associated with the herniated disc. Degenerative spine disease, gaseous degeneration of the intervertebral disc and epidural gas can be disclosed by imaging studies. The presence of epidural gas is attributed to gaseous disc degeneration. This pathology may cause radicular pain similar to sciatic pain produced by disc herniation. Surgery might be indicated in these cases.