Paraparesis in a child with a herniated thoracic disc.

Herniated thoracic disc after minor trauma, causing paraparesis in an 11-year-old boy, proved difficult to diagnose. Myelogram and computer tomography of the thoracic spine appeared normal, but magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a small herniation at T4-T5. Disc material adherent to the dura was found at laminectomy. The child made progressive recovery preoperatively and postoperatively and was able to ambulate in parallel bars with a left knee-ankle-foot orthorsis at the time of discharge from the hospital.