A Case Report of Intradural Ruptured Lumbar Disc

ABSTRACT

Intradural ruptured discs are very rare occurrences and the incidence is reported to be 0.13% among total herniated discs, 90% of intradural ruptured discs are known to occur in the lumbar area. The symtoms and signs of the intradural disc are much more severe than those of the usual extradural herniated disc. MR imagings of the intradural disc demonstrate several typical findings, but intradural tumors must be ruled out. The authors present a case of intradural ruptured lumbar disc L4-L5 level in a 46-year-old female. Characteristic MR and operative findings of this case are reported. Pathogenetic mechanisms and differential diagnoses with certain intradural tumors and the extradural ruptured disc with similar MR findings are discussed.