Spontaneous Regression of a Giant Traumatic Herniated Thoracic Disk: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Thoracic disk herniation (TDH) after traumatic injury is a relatively uncommon disease with few cases reported in the literature. Herniated disks in this location typically may result in progressive myelopathy and refractory pain. In the presence of these symptoms, surgical treatment may be indicated since spontaneous regression in this area is less common than that of disk herniations in the cervical or lumbar spine. Herein, we present the case of giant traumatic TDH that occurred at the T9–T10 level and spontaneously resolved after 5 months.

We highlight the fact that regression of a herniated disk at the thoracic level may occur even in the absence of treatment. When considering this phenomenon, conservative management of these cases with clinical and radiological monitoring may be an appropriate first-line management for patients without signs of progressive myelopathy or severe refractory pain.

Keywords

herniation - spontaneous regression - thoracic spine - trauma - myelopathy

Publication History

Received: 28 April 2019

Accepted: 20 December 2019

Article published online:
01 December 2020

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