Tina had a disc extrusion

The beautiful Tina, 10 years old presented on 29th September 2015 with a 6 week history of Thoracolumbar spinal pain which had not resolved with strict rest and treatment with a neuropathic pain killers, muscle relaxants and non steroidal anti-inflammatories.

At this stage in her work up the most likely cause of Tina’s pain was a Hansen type-1 intervertebral disc extrusion. This type of extrusion is when the disc tears and the contents explode or ooze out causing compression of the spinal cord and the velocity of the extrusion can affect the severity of the injury.

Tina was given a neurological examination which showed evidence of focal Thoracolumbar pain but no neurological deficits. An MRI scan confirmed the presence of a T13 – L1 Hansen type-1 intervertebral disc extrusion, with marked spinal cord compression.

The compression warranted surgical decompression of the spinal cord by means of Hemilaminectomy, his involved removing part of one of the two laiminae of the vertebrae to decompress the spinal cord.

To prevent nearby disc spaces from extending in the future Jacques also fenestrated the disc space affected as well as the one in front and behind. Tina recovered well from her anaesthetic and remained in the hospital for several days receiving pain relief and monitoring of her progress.

Once comfortable Tina returned home to her family with discharge instructions and oral medications and continued to make an excellent recovery.