Thoracic disc herniations: diagnosis, surgical techniques, and complication insights

Authors

MEHMET DENİZHAN YURTLUKFollow
AYDIN SİNAN APAYDINFollow
HAKAN KINAFollow
KHOI THANFollow

Abstract

Abstract: Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are rare conditions, comprising 0.1% to 5% of all reported herniation cases, and affecting up to 1 in 1,000,000 individuals. The mid to lower thoracic spine, particularly between the T11 and T12 vertebrae, is most frequently affected and often associated with trauma. Conditions like Scheuermann’s disease can predispose patients to TDHs. This study explores the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and complications associated with TDHs. Diagnosis relies on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography to identify the level and nature of the herniation. Various surgical approaches, including posterolateral, lateral, and anterior, have been implemented, each with specific indications, advantages, and pitfalls. Complications range from lung-associated to neurological deterioration to dural breaches. Clinical presentation primarily includes thoracic back pain. Patients can present with significant neurological deficits depending on the herniation’s characteristics, namely giant centrally located. Surgical intervention is indicated in cases of failed conservative treatment or acute trauma with significant cord compression. This review aimed to delve into the literature to provide insights into the clinical manifestations of TDHs, diagnosis, surgical techniques, and associated complications.

Author ORCID Identifier

MEHMET DENİZHAN YURTLUK: 0009-0004-9101-6311

AYDINAYDIN SİNAN APAYDINAPAYDİN: 0000-0002-2916-9550

HAKAN KINA: 0000-0002-9741-7720

KHOI THAN: 0000-0003-2026-7004

DOI

10.55730/1300-0144.5939

Keywords

myelopathy, spine surgery, surgical approaches, Thoracic disc herniations

First Page

17

Last Page

23

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

YURTLUK, MEHMET DENİZHAN; APAYDIN, AYDIN SİNAN; KINA, HAKAN; and THAN, KHOI (2025) "Thoracic disc herniations: diagnosis, surgical techniques, and complication insights," Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences: Vol. 55: No. 1, Article 3. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.5939
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/medical/vol55/iss1/3