Two-level thoracic disc herniation.

Herniation of thoracic discs at T6-7 and T7-8 occurred in a 41-year-old man. Thoracic disc disease is rare and the present case could be the first two-level herniation reported in the literature. The diagnosis was established by a myelogram (metrizamide) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning. The herniated discs were excised through a posterolateral approach. The preferred exposure is either translateral or transthoracic. Laminectomy is contraindicated, as it fails to correct spinal cord hemodynamics or relieve axial tension in the presence of an anterior epidural obstruction.