Thoracic disk herniation

Thoracic disk herniation (TDH) can cause spinal cord compression due to the prolapse of the thoracic disk into the spinal canal; it is associated with numbness and symptoms of thoracic myelopathy (weakness of the lower extremities, spastic gait, and vesicoureteral involvement). The lower thoracic spine is the most common location. Involvement of the intercostal nerve results in radicular girdle pain in the thoracic region. The weakness of the lower extremities can progress rapidly after onset, and minor trauma can cause a sudden onset of a neurological deficit. Patients with back and/or girdle pain should receive conservative treatment. Surgical treatment is indicated in patients with severe pain not relieved by medication and/or in patients with progressive neurological impairment; surgery should be performed before irreversible spinal cord damage, and loss of function occurs due to compression of the spinal cord.