Spine · 1988 · 58 citations · 0 references
MedicineNeurologyRadiologySpine SurgeryThoracic ImagingThoracic RadiologyDecompression SurgerySpinal Cord CompressionSpinal Cord DisordersSpinal Cord PathologyThoracic Spine SurgeryThoracic SurgeryIntervertebral Disc HerniationKyphosis ImagingNeurologic Deficit AssessmentRadiologic ImagingSpinal Cord Compression ImagingThoracic Disc HerniationThoracic MyelopathyThoracic Spinal Cord Compression
A 29-year-old man with spastic paraparesis of insidious onset was discovered to have thoracic cord compression by a combination of kyphosis and thoracic disc herniation. Radiologic evaluation showed evidence of Scheuermann's disease, of which thoracic kyphosis is one manifestation. Neurologic signs are uncommon in Scheuermann's disease and few cases have been successfully managed with resolution of neurologic deficit. This patient made a virtually complete recovery after thoracic cord decompressions by costrotransversectomy and transthoracic approaches.