Transitory paraplegia due to a calcificated thoracic disc herniation

Abstract

Thoracic disc herniation is rare and its clinical signs differ widely fromthose of cervical and lumbar disc hernias. The anterior approach is theclassical treatment for these cases. We report a case of a 56-year-oldman who presented a T11-T12 calcified thoracic disc herniation thatrapidly progressed to paraplegia. The patient was submitted to spinalcord decompression using the Larson’s lateral extracavitary approachand completely recovered sensation and motor function.

Keywords

• Intervertebral disk displacement/surgery
• Paraplegia
• Decompression
• surgical
• Case reports [Publication type]