Work

Case Report: Experience in surgical management of vertebral posterior marginal osteophytes completely encasing the nerve root: a report of two cases

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Posterior marginal osteophytes at the vertebral level are frequently observed in individuals with lumbar disc herniation (LDH); however, complete encasement of the nerve root by such osteophytes is exceedingly uncommon. We present two cases of surgical management of vertebral posterior marginal osteophytes completely encasing the nerve root. This report examined two cases of LDH accompanied by vertebral posterior marginal osteophytes completely encasing the nerve roots. Both patients underwent spinal canal decompression, discectomy, and intervertebral fusion. Postoperatively, varying degrees of nerve root injury were noted. By the 3-month follow-up, marked recovery in neurological function was achieved in both cases. The presence of vertebral posterior marginal osteophytes completely encasing the nerve root represents a notable risk factor for nerve root injury in LDH cases. Tailored surgical approaches are imperative to minimize complications and optimize patient outcomes.

Source: Frontiers in Surgery

DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2025.1618743

Authors: Feng Li, Xingguo Tan, Mingjia Song, Lian Zhang, Songkai Li

Institutions: Chinese People's Liberation Army, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801