{"id":"1449a8a8-2171-4133-baf4-e0c13306f48a","slug":"long-term-operative-outcome-of-giant-calcified-thoracic-disc-herniation-a-retrospective-analysis-of-24-patients","title":"Long-term operative outcome of giant calcified thoracic disc herniation – A retrospective analysis of 24 patients","authors":["Manojkumar B. Gaddikeri","Sudhir K. Srivastava","Praveen Patil","Atif Naseem","Harsh Agrawal"],"abstract":"Background: Thoracic disc herniations (TDHs) are rare (0.15–4%) and often cause significant myelopathy (70–95%). They are defined as “Giant” if they occupy >40% of the spinal canal. Further, they are ossified/calcified in 42% of cases, with a 70% incidence of intradural extension. Here, we reviewed our experience resecting 24 giant thoracic discs utilizing a posterolateral surgical approach. Methods: Over a 2-year period, we evaluated the outcomes for 24 patients averaging 40 years of age undergoing posterolateral resections of giant ossified/calcified TDH. We evaluated multiple clinical and radiographic parameters; demographics, Frankel grades, surgical time, perioperative complications, and number of levels involved. In addition, utilizing magnetic resonance/computed tomography studies, we documented that the most commonly involved level was T11–T12, and the average canal occupancy ratio (i.e., degree of canal encroachment) was 58.2 ± 7.72%. Results: Neurological improvement was seen in 22 of the 24 patients; none experienced neurological deterioration over the average 2-year post-operative period. Six complications occurred; three dural tears and three suture site infections. Conclusion: The posterolateral approach proved to be safe and effectively for resecting 24 giant ossified/calcified TDH with minimum complications.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/1449a8a8-2171-4133-baf4-e0c13306f48a/featured/hero-1781560756177.png","publishDate":"2022-11-11T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_798_2022","categories":["Spine","Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/1449a8a8-2171-4133-baf4-e0c13306f48a/pdf"}