Spinal cord compression due to prolapse of cervical intervertebral disc (herniation of nucleus pulposus)

Abstract

Twenty-six patients who presented with spinal cord compression due to cervical disc prolapse (herniation of the nucleus pulposus) were treated by anterior discectomy. There was a high incidence of disc prolapse at the C3-4 level. The most severe degrees of preoperative disability were associated with prolapse at that level. Impairment of posterior column function, particularly in the upper limbs, played a major part in producing disability. High cervical disc prolapse can produce a clinical picture that is predominantly like that of a posterior cord syndrome. Preexisting fusion of vertebral bodies in the cervical spine and a history of cervical spinal trauma appear to be predisposing factors. Discectomy is an effective treatment of this condition. Spinal cord compression due to cervical disc prolapse should be distinguished from spondylotic myelopathy.

Significant correlation between corticospinal tract conduction block and prolongation of central motor conduction time in compressive cervical myelopathy

“…Compressive cervical myelopathy is a disease that can be caused by degenerative spondylosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament [1,2], intervertebral disc herniation [3], and so on. Patients with compressive cervical myelopathy generally have sensory disturbance in all four limbs, clumsiness in their hands, and spastic gait disturbance due to compression of the cervical spinal cord.…”

Nontraumatic Cervical Disc Herniation in a 21-Year-Old Patient With No Other Underlying Disease

“…28) Thirty-four of our 134 cases (25.5%) were associated with cervical trauma. Among our patients under 40 years old, 6 of 14 (42.7%) had suffered from cervical trauma.…”

“…28) Although lumbar disc herniation develops infrequently in teenagers, 13,14) the onset age of cervical disc herniation is comparatively higher. We present a case of nontraumatic cervical disc herniation in a 21-year-old woman, and discuss the pathogenesis of cervical disc herniation in the young.…”

Prolapse of a cervical disc in elderly patients with cervical spondylosis.

“…O'Laoire and Thomas suggested that backward displacement of the cord by a herniated disc is restricted by the posterior rootlets and, because of their attachment adjacent to the cuneate fasciculus, this would lead to distortion of the posterior columns, the cuneate more than the gracile fasciculus. 4 Whatever the underlying mechanism, it is important to recognise this disabling feature of high cervical myelopathy as excision of the disc may bring about a rapid and full recovery.…”