Transthoracic Discectomy for Symptomatic Thoracic Disc Herniation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. E158-E158
Author(s):  
Yamaan S Saadeh ◽  
Siri S Khalsa ◽  
Brandon W Smith ◽  
Jacob R Joseph ◽  
Rhami F Khorfan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Lower Extremity Muscle ◽  
High Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract Thoracic disc herniations are an infrequent occurrence, but can be a cause of significant myelopathy. Diagnosis typically requires a high clinical suspicion that is confirmed with appropriate imaging. Classically, the transthoracic approach for discectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cases. This video concerns a 48-yr-old woman who presented with worsening mid-back pain and progressive gait difficulty. Her examination was significant for proximal lower extremity muscle weakness, difficulty with tandem gait, and urinary incontinence. Imaging demonstrated a large T7-8 disc herniation causing severe spinal cord compression. The patient underwent T7-8 transthoracic discectomy and interbody fusion. She tolerated the procedure well without complication, and postoperative imaging demonstrated decompression of her spinal cord. On follow-up, she had improved mid-back pain, strength, and ambulatory function. The patient consented to the recording of this surgical video for potential publication.

scholarly journals Sleep Apnea and Unilateral Upper and Lower Extremity Allodynia as a Result of a Large Thoracic Disc Herniation: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler D. Alexander ◽  
Anthony Stefanelli ◽  
Sara Thalheimer ◽  
Joshua E. Heller
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract BackgroundClinically significant disc herniations in the thoracic spine are rare accounting for approximately 1% of all disc herniations. In patients with significant spinal cord compression, presenting symptoms typically include ambulatory dysfunction, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory changes, as well as bowl, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Thoracic disc herniations can also present with thoracic radiculopathy including midback pain and radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. The association between thoracic disc herniation with cord compression and sleep apnea is not well described.Case PresentationThe following is a case of a young male patient with high grade spinal cord compression at T7-8, as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation. The patient presented with complaints of upper and lower extremity unilateral allodynia and sleep apnea. Diagnosis was only made once the patient manifested more common symptoms of thoracic stenosis including left lower extremity weakness and sexual dysfunction. Following decompression and fusion the patient’s allodynia and sleep apnea quickly resolved.ConclusionsThoracic disc herniations can present atypically with sleep apnea – a symptom which may resolve with surgical treatment.

scholarly journals Sleep apnea and unilateral upper and lower extremity allodynia as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler D. Alexander ◽  
Anthony Stefanelli ◽  
Sara Thalheimer ◽  
Joshua E. Heller
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Lower Extremity Weakness ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract Background Clinically significant disc herniations in the thoracic spine are rare accounting for approximately 1% of all disc herniations. In patients with significant spinal cord compression, presenting symptoms typically include ambulatory dysfunction, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory changes, as well as bowl, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Thoracic disc herniations can also present with thoracic radiculopathy including midback pain and radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. The association between thoracic disc herniation with cord compression and sleep apnea is not well described. Case presentation The following is a case of a young male patient with high grade spinal cord compression at T7-8, as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation. The patient presented with complaints of upper and lower extremity unilateral allodynia and sleep apnea. Diagnosis was only made once the patient manifested more common symptoms of thoracic stenosis including left lower extremity weakness and sexual dysfunction. Following decompression and fusion the patient’s allodynia and sleep apnea quickly resolved. Conclusions Thoracic disc herniations can present atypically with sleep apnea. We recommend taking into consideration that sleep symptoms may resolve when planning treatment for thoracic disc herniation.

Multiple Thoracic Disc Herniations: Case Report

Neurosurgery ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (6P1-P2) ◽  
pp. 1068-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitsuhiko Shikata ◽  
Takao Yamamuro ◽  
Hirokazu Iida ◽  
Naoya Kashiwagi
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Autogenous Bone ◽  
Intervertebral Disc Herniation ◽  
Computed Tomographic ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Herniated Discs ◽  
Autogenous Bone Grafts

Abstract Multiple thoracic disc herniation is rare, and one of the main problems in its treatment has been the lack of accuracy in diagnostic tests. Now, with the advent of computed tomographic scanning with metrizamide in the subaraehnoid space, the accuracy has been greatly improved. With computed tomographic scanning, the type and level of the lesion can be demonstrated, even when the myelographic study is unclear. Our report describes the case of a 38-year-old man with multiple thoracic intervertebral disc herniation, who also exhibited symptoms of spinal cord compression. Computed tomographic metrizamide myelography clearly showed anterior compression of the spinal cord due to disc herniation at T5-T6, T6-T7, T7-T8, T8-T9, and T9-T10. Removal ofthe herniated discs was followed by interbody fusion using autogenous bone grafts, and excellent results were obtained.

scholarly journals Acute thoracic disc heralded by change in spinal cord stimulation pattern: illustrative case

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Faraz Behzadi ◽  
Edvin Telemi ◽  
Tarek R. Mansour ◽  
Thomas M. Zervos ◽  
Muwaffak M. Abdulhak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Spinal Cord Stimulation ◽  
Chronic Back Pain ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Disc Protrusion ◽  
Stimulation Parameters ◽  
Spine Pathology ◽  
Thoracic Disc

BACKGROUND Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) uses unique electric stimulation parameters to selectively treat specific regions of chronic or refractory back pain. Changing these parameters can lead to spreading paresthesia and/or pain beyond the desired region. OBSERVATIONS A patient with a history of stable, successful SCS treatment presented with acute development of paresthesias that were relieved by reduction of stimulation parameters. The patient required paradoxically lower SCS settings for control of chronic back pain. This presentation prompted further investigation, which revealed a new disc protrusion and cord compression at the level of the paddle lead. LESSONS In patients with SCS, a new onset of back pain accompanied by acute paresthesia that is reversible by reducing the SCS amplitude warrants investigation for new spine pathology.

scholarly journals Revision surgery in thoracic disc herniation

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (S1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Stephan Dützmann ◽  
Roli Rose ◽  
Daniel Rosenthal
Keyword(s):  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Revision Surgery ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Neurological Improvement ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Abstract Purpose Surgical treatment failures or strategies for the reoperation of residual thoracic disc herniations are sparsely discussed. We investigated factors that led to incomplete disc removal and recommend reoperation strategies. Methods As a referral centre for thoracic disc disease, we reviewed retrospectively the clinical records and imaging studies before and after the treatment of patients who were sent to us for revision surgery for thoracic disc herniation from 2013 to 2018. Results A total of 456 patients were treated from 2013 to 2018 at our institution. Twenty-one patients had undergone previously thoracic discectomy at an outside facility and harboured residual, incompletely excised and symptomatic herniated thoracic discs. In 12 patients (57%), the initial symptoms that led to their primary operation were improved after the first surgery, but recurred after a mean of 2.8 years. In seven patients (33%) they remained stable, and in two cases they were worse. All patients were treated via all dorsal approaches. In all 21 cases, the initial excision was incomplete regarding medullar decompression. All of the discs were removed completely in a single revision procedure. After mean follow-up of 24 months (range 12–57 months), clinical neurological improvement was demonstrated in seven patients, while three patients suffered a worsening and 11 patients remained stable. Conclusion Our data suggest that pure dorsal decompression provides a short relief of the symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. Progressive myelopathy (probably due to mechanical and vascular deficits) and scar formation may cause worsening of symptoms. Graphic abstract These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

scholarly journals Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach for Anterior Spinal Cord Decompression in Thoracic Myelopathy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna E. Gouveia ◽  
Mansour Mathkour ◽  
Erin McCormack ◽  
Jonathan Riffle ◽  
Olawale A. Sulaiman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Interbody Fusion ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lateral Approach ◽  
Spinal Instability ◽  
Decompression Procedure ◽  
Thoracic Disc ◽  
Mini Open

Myelopathy can result from a thoracic disc herniation (TDH) compressing the anterior spinal cord. Disc calcification and difficulty in accessing the anterior spinal cord pose an operative challenge. A mini-open lateral approach to directly decompress the anterior spinal cord can be performed with or without concomitant interbody fusion depending on pre-existing or iatrogenic spinal instability. Experience using stand-alone expandable spacers to achieve interbody fusion in this setting is limited. Technical advantages, risks and limitations of this technique are discussed. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with thoracic and upper lumbar myelopathy treated with a lateral mini-open lateral approach. Review of the literature identified 6 other case series using similar lateral minimally invasive approaches to treat thoracic or upper lumbar disc herniation showing efficient and safe thoracic disc decompression procedure for myelopathy. This technique can be combined with interbody arthrodesis when instability is suspected.

scholarly journals Is Open Lumbar Micro- Discectomy Safe at Periphery of Nepal?

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-34
Author(s):  
Bal K Thapa
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Lumbar Disc ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Indications For Surgery ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Disc Herniations

Lumbar disc surgery is performed exclusively for disc herniation. Either low back pain, or sciatica or both are common presentations depending upon the levels of compressed nerve roots. Indications for surgery and MRI needs to be carefully judged upon keeping the economic status of our patients into consideration. Open lumbar (micro) discectomy is safe and successful method for lumbar disc herniations at periphery. Results in these hundred thirteen initial cases with minimum follow up of 5 years indicate that this is not only feasible but safe in these 57 males and 56 female patients aged between 12 and 93. Redo surgeries were not that difficult in this series and were safe. There were 18 cases with Multiple and 95 single levels. Of the single levels it gradually increased as the level gradually decreased in terms of the vertebral counts. L3/4: 3 cases, L4/5: 28 cases and L5/S1 : 64 cases . There were 18 cases of more than one level discs. There were 96 (Micro) discectomies, 11 Laminotomies and 6 Laminectomies.Nepal Journal of Neuroscience 13:30-34, 2016

scholarly journals Feline vertebral angiomatosis: two cases

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 205511691774412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Frizzi ◽  
Nicola Ottolini ◽  
Claudia Spigolon ◽  
Giovanna Bertolini
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Vascular Malformation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Normal Gait ◽  
Partial Corpectomy ◽  
Spinal Cord Decompression

Case series summary Two cats aged between 1 and 2 years were presented for paraparesis, general discomfort, back pain and urinary retention. Extradural spinal cord compression at the level of T4 and T8 was evident on CT examination and on MRI. Hemilaminectomy and partial corpectomy were performed to achieve spinal cord decompression. Histopathology of the abnormal bone tissue was suggestive of vertebral angiomatosis. After initially worsening, both cats recovered their normal gait and functional urination. Both cats have been followed-up for >1 year, without any recurrence. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of vertebral angiomatosis with complete data (CT, MRI, surgical procedures, histopathology and >1 year follow-up) and provides important information about the prognosis of this rare vascular malformation.

scholarly journals Operation of Soft or Calcified Thoracic Disc Herniations in the Full-Endoscopic Uniportal Extraforaminal Technique

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (21;1) ◽  
pp. E331-E340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Ruetten
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Disc Herniation ◽  
Thoracic Spine ◽  
Surgical Trauma ◽  
Thoracic Disc Herniation ◽  
Soft Or ◽  
Disc Herniations ◽  
Thoracic Disc

Background: Surgery for thoracic disc herniation and stenosis is comparatively rare and often demanding. The goal is to achieve sufficient decompression without manipulating the spinal cord and to minimize surgical trauma and its consequences. Individual planning and various surgical techniques and approaches are required. The key factors for selecting the technique are anatomical location, consistency of the pathology, general condition of the patient, and the surgeon’s experience. Objectives: The objective of the study was the evaluation of the technical implementation and outcomes of a full-endoscopic uniportal technique via the extraforaminal approach in patients with symptomatic soft or calcified disc herniation of the thoracic spine, taking specific advantages and disadvantages and literature into consideration. Study Design: Retrospective study Setting: A center for spine surgery and pain medicine. Methods: Between 2009 and 2015, decompression was performed on 26 patients with thoracic disc herniation or stenosis with radicular or myelopathic symptoms in a full-endoscopic uniportal technique with an extraforaminal approach. No patients underwent additional posterior stabilization. Imaging and clinical data were collected in follow-up examinations for 18 months. Results: Sufficient decompression was achieved in the full-endoscopic uniportal technique in all cases. The individual selection of the respective approach made it possible to reach the target area without manipulating the spinal cord. One patient experienced deterioration of a myelopathy. No other serious complications were observed. All patients, except one, experienced regression or improvement of symptoms. No evidence of increasing instability was found in imaging. Limitations: This is a retrospective study. The limited number of cases must be considered. Conclusions: The full-endoscopic uniportal technique with an extraforaminal approach was found to be a sufficient and minimally invasive method with the known advantages of an endoscopic procedure under continuous irrigation for monosegmental disc herniations. The inclusion criteria must be taken into consideration. If they are not met, an alternative full-endoscopic approach (interlaminar, transthoracic retropleural) or decompression in a conventional method must be selected. Additional stabilization does not appear to be necessary due to the low level of trauma. Key Words: Extraforaminal approach, thoracic disc herniation, giant disc herniation, Fullendoscopic, minimally invasive, thoracic spine

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