Posterior epidural migration of lumbar disc fragments: report of three cases.

STUDY

DESIGN

Report of three cases.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a rare location of intervertebral disc migration.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Migration of sequestered disc fragments to the posterior extradural space is rare, and posterior migration of the free fragments causing cauda equina syndrome is exceptionally rare.

METHODS

Three patients with posteriorly migrated epidural disc fragments were evaluated with radiograph, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging and underwent surgery.

RESULTS

All of the patients responded well to operative therapy with complete relief of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Early surgery should be the first choice of therapy in patients with large posteriorly migrated sequestered disc fragments, to prevent severe neurologic deficits such as cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes.