Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND

Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment (PEMLDF) refers to the dorsal migration of disc material around the thecal sac that can lead to radiculopathy and/or cause a cauda equina syndrome. It is rare and the diagnosis is often just established intraoperatively.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old male with a chronic history of low back pain and psychosis presented with PEMLDF originating at the L4-L5 level.

CONCLUSION

Lumbar disc herniations rarely present as PEMLDF resulting in symptoms varying from radiculopathy to cauda equina syndrome. These should be included among the differential diagnostic considerations for dorsolateral epidural lesions.