Víctor Rodrigo1, Marta Claramonte2, Mónica Martín2, Juan B Calatayud2. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco 15, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. vrodrigo84@gmail.com. 2. Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, C/San Juan Bosco 15, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intradural disc herniation is a rare phenomenon in spine surgery. Diagnosis is difficult despite current neuroradiologic imaging techniques. METHOD: We present a case of a 59-year-old man with lumbar and radicular pain and a recurrent lumbar herniation. A laminectomy was performed after no clear disc herniation in the epidural space was found and an intradural mass was palpable. A durotomy showed an intradural disc fragment that was removed, followed by an arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: Only intraoperative findings lead to a definitive diagnosis for intradural herniation. A durotomy needs to be performed. In this case, an arthrodesis was necessary to avoid complications of segmental instability.
BACKGROUND: Intradural disc herniation is a rare phenomenon in spine surgery. Diagnosis is difficult despite current neuroradiologic imaging techniques. METHOD: We present a case of a 59-year-old man with lumbar and radicular pain and a recurrent lumbar herniation. A laminectomy was performed after no clear disc herniation in the epidural space was found and an intradural mass was palpable. A durotomy showed an intradural disc fragment that was removed, followed by an arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: Only intraoperative findings lead to a definitive diagnosis for intradural herniation. A durotomy needs to be performed. In this case, an arthrodesis was necessary to avoid complications of segmental instability.