Cord compression caused by multiple disc herniations and intraspinal cyst in Scheuermann's disease

Abstract

Study Design. The design for this article is a case report. Objectives. Reported is the case of a patient with Scheuermann's disease who experienced spastic paraparesis caused by multilevel disc herniations and intraspinal meningeal cyst occurring together. Summary of Background Data. Although Scheuermann's disease is associated with disc degeneration and calcification, multilevel disc herniations causing neurologic deficit is exceedingly rare. Methods. A patient diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease was evaluated by laboratory tests and radiographs because of paresthesin in bilateral lower extremities. Results. Evaluation revealed a 'cyst' that was separated from the proper subarachnoid space and a disc herniation. Conclusions. Intraspinal cyst and multilevel disc herniations could coexist in Scheuermann's disease. Both could contribute to cord compression. Drainage of the cyst, anterior decompression of the disc herniations, and interbody fusion to stabilize the diseased segments produced good results after 2 years.