J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1989 Feb;18(2):301-311.

Thoracic Disc Herniations

• Kim HJ
• Han JW

Abstract

Thoracic disc herniation is so uncommon that only four cases have been literally reported to Korean Neurosurgical Journal Since 1972. Authors report here another 7 cases of thoracic disc herniation and analyse clinical findings and surgical outcome of 11 cases including 4 cases previously reported from other hospitals. Results are as follows: 1) Male dominancy in incidence was quite evident(10 : 1), and most patients were middle aged(30-50). 2) About a half of the patients had sudden onset of spinal cord compression symptoms, and the remaining half had insidious onset. 3) In 7 of 11 patients, diagnosis could be done by myelography alone, but in 4 of 11 cases, myelographic findings were equivocal and contrast CT scan were required for confirmation. 4) Thoracic disc herniations were more frequent in mid-thoracic discs(T5-T8 disc). 5) Considering the direction and location of disc herniations, 7 cases were paramedian, 2 cases central and 1 case was posterolateral. 6) Transthoracic transpleural approach were adequate for central or paramedian disc herniations, and posterolateral or transpedicular approach for lateral herniations.

Keyword

Thoracic disc herniation; Contrast CT scan; Transthoracic transpleural approach; Posterolateral or transpedicular approach

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Humans
Incidence
Male
Myelography
Spinal Cord Compression
Tomography, X-Ray Computed