[Cystic dilatations of the subarachnoid space at the lumbo-sacral level. Clinical and therapeutic aspects].

The cystic dilation of the sub-arachnoidal space individualised by Tarlov in 1938, may be integrated in the diagnosis of non discal surgical sciatica. The classification proposed by Lazorthes sumes up the eventualities encountered at the lombo-sacral level. The clinical study of five personal observations and the analysis of literature enable the establishment of a clinical picture evoking the anomaly. It would appear that the affection is characterised by lumbago or lumbo-sciatica, the attacks separated by free intervals. In an acute period the algia lessens in the Trendelenbourg position. A significant sign would be the pain on moving the sacrum. Among the complementary examination the radiographic study of the sacrum with tomographies is indisplusable, the diagnosis is based on the radiography of spinal nerve roots with late time in a vertical position. Medico-surgical treatment is in order, it gives a favorable result when surgical criteria have respected: invalidating evolutive algia with or without a clear sign of deficiency. The surgical result is essentially conditioned by a strict indication.