Emergency thoracic diskectomy for the acute onset of paraplegia: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND

Thoracic disk herniation is a rare event, and acute presentation of this lesion is even less common.

METHODS

Case reports.

FINDINGS: Both patients presented with rapidly progressing lower extremity weakness and sphincter dysfunction. Radiographic work-up revealed large herniated thoracic disks with spinal cord compression. Emergency thoracic diskectomy was performed.

RESULTS

Both patients had partial reversal of neurologic and sphincter abnormalities after emergency surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic disk herniation, although rare, should be considered when patients present with acute thoracic myelopathy. Early surgical intervention may reverse some neurologic injuries.