The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Review Case Reports
Dorsal thoracic spinal cord herniation: report of an unusual case and review of the literature.
Spinal cord herniation is a rare but well-documented condition that has been associated with tethering through the dural defect. Both spinal cord herniation and cord tethering result in progressive myelopathy that can be improved or stabilized with surgical intervention. Most cases of herniation are caused by dural defects in the ventral or ventrolateral thoracic spine, rarely occurring through the dorsal dura. This is the first reported case of a spontaneous dorsal herniation. ⋯ Spinal cord herniation through a dural defect is an uncommon but important cause of symptomatic tethered cord in adults. Surgical intervention can significantly alter the course and prevent further disability.