What is an extrusion of a lumbar disc?

A disc extrusion is a type of severe disc herniation. It happens when the center – or nucleus – of an intervertebral disc escapes from the center of the disc. A disc that is extruded can occur in the neck, mid, or lower back, and can cause severe spinal related pain.

How serious is a disc extrusion?

All of the disc herniations listed above can cause pain, inflammation and symptoms if the inner core material or outer disc compresses spinal nerves, the spinal cord or other structures in the spine. And, as stated above, symptoms may develop or worsen if disc damage progresses and herniation becomes more severe.

What is the difference between protrusion and extrusion?

A protrusion exists when only a few cartilage rings are torn and there is no actual leakage of the center material; the disc protrusion looks like a “bump”. With an extrusion, all the cartilage rings have torn in a small area, allowing the jelly-like material to flow out of the disc.

What is the difference between disc extrusion and herniation?

Disc extrusion is a type of intervertebral disc herniation and is distinguished from a disc protrusion in that it: in at least one plane, has a broader dome (B) than a neck (A)

Does disc extrusion require surgery?

For minor cases of disc extrusion, surgery may not be necessary. Many extruded discs heal on their own. Nevertheless, treatment for pain that often accompanies disc extrusion may be necessary for some patients. Treatments usually include pain medication, steroid injections, nerve blocks and more.

What happens after disc extrusion?

Patients typically feel some form of tingling, numbness, loss of motion, or pain from the source of the extrusion. When these symptoms radiate down into the arms or legs, it may be nerve-related irritation or compression often caused by herniated discs.

Can disc extrusion heal without surgery?

When the centre or nucleus of a disc pushes out and even passes through the wall of the disc, this is what we refer to as a herniated disc. The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment.

How long does it take for an extruded disc to reabsorb?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred.

What causes lumbar disc extrusion?

A disc extrusion, also known as a disc herniation, usually occurs from degeneration due to a disease like osteoarthritis or the natural aging process. Other causes may include injury, trauma, overexertion, illness or obesity.

Will a healed herniated disc show up on an MRI?

An MRI scan can also show evidence of previous injuries that may have healed and other details in the spine that can’t normally be seen on an x-ray. Myelogram: This special x-ray uses dye, which is injected into the spinal fluid. This can identify a ruptured disc. Usually a CT scan follows the Myelogram.

Which is the best definition of disc extrusion?

disc sequestration is an extrusion where the disc material migrates and becomes separated from the rest of the herniation.

How is the sagittal view used in a spine MRI?

The sagittal view is especially useful for depicting injury to the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, ligamentum flavum, and interspinous ligaments.

What is the difference between disc protrusion and disc sequestration?

Terminology disc protrusion is distinguished form a disc extrusion in that the base of protruded disc material is narrower than its ‘dome’; furthermore this material may extend above or below the disc level. disc sequestration is an extrusion where the disc material migrates and becomes separated from the rest of the herniation.

Where can I find the lumbar disc nomenclature?

1. Fardon DF, Williams AL, Dohring EJ et-al. Lumbar disc nomenclature: version 2.0: Recommendations of the combined task forces of the North American Spine Society, the American Society of Spine Radiology and the American Society of Neuroradiology. Spine J. 2014;14 (11): . doi:10.1016/j.spinee