J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  2018 Dec;25(4):175-179. 10.4184/jkss.2018.25.4.175.

Loss of Disc Height after Spontaneous Regression of a Herniated Lumbar Disc: A Case Report

• Kim HB
• Chung HJ

• KMID: 2430143
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/jkss.2018.25.4.175

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.
OBJECTIVES
We report 3 cases of loss of disc height after spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Reports of spontaneous regression of a herniated lumbar disc were identified.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conservatively treated 3 patients who were diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. During outpatient follow-up, radiating pain improved in all patients, but they complained of chronic lower back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for diagnostic purposes.
RESULTS
On MRI, spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar discs was observed, but loss of disc height was also found.
CONCLUSIONS
A herniated lumbar disc may be a risk factor for loss of disc height. It is important to recognize that a patient with a herniated lumbar disc can struggle with chronic lower back pain even if spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar disc occurs.

Keyword

Spontaneous regression; Herniated lumbar disc; Loss of disc height

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Low Back Pain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Outpatients
Risk Factors

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. (A) Initial MRI, showing a large area of disc extrusion at the L4/5 disc space. (B) MRI taken 2 years after the initial MRI, showing spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar disc and loss of disc height.

• 

  Fig. 2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. (A) Initial MRI, showing a large area of disc extrusion at the L4/5 disc space. (B) MRI taken 3 years after the initial MRI, showing spontaneous regression of the herni-ated lumbar disc and loss of disc height.

• 

  Fig. 3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. (A) Initial MRI, showing a large area of disc extrusion at the L4/5 foraminal area. (B) MRI taken 2 years after the initial MRI, showing spontaneous regression of the herniated lumbar disc and loss of disc height.

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