Identification of herniated nucleus pulposis in spinal cord injury.

Five cases of documented traumatic herniated nucleus pulposis are presented all occurring within the cervical region. The incidence of herniated disc in cervical spinal cord injury is 0.7%. The incidence of herniated disc in bilateral facet dislocations is 2.3%. The common features are radicular pain, incomplete syndrome, and bilateral facet dislocations. A routine myelogram is the most helpful test to establish the diagnosis.