Thoracic intervertebral disc protrusion: experience of 67 cases and review of the literature.

Sixty-seven cases of thoracic intervertebral disc protrusion are reported with an analysis of clinical and radiological findings. The findings include the fact that male: female ratio is approximately equal, peak incidence is in the 3rd to 5th decade with another peak at age 30-40 in men. This latter peak appears to be associated with trauma which is otherwise uncommon. Results of surgical treatment indicate that the transthoracic and costotransversectomy routes are almost equally effective; laminectomy is not advised.