Türk Nöroşirürji Dergisi 2016 , Vol 26 , Num 3
Thoracic Segmental Spinal Stenosis Secondary to Bilateral Facet Hypertrophy: Case Report
Numan KARAARSLAN1, Mehmet Sabri GÜRBÜZ2, Tamer TUNÇLAKE1, Tezcan ÇALIŞKAN1
1Namık Kemal Üniversitesi, Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Anabilim Dalı, Tekirdağ, Türkiye
2Sefa Hastanesi, Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahisi Kliniği, İstanbul, Türkiye
Thoracic spinal setenosis, caused by hypertrophy of posterior spinal elements is a rarely encountered pathology. The underlying cause is, generally, the hypertrophy of ligamentum flavum that leads to narrowing of the spinal canal and thus give damage to the spinal cord. On the other hand, thoracic stenosis resulting from the hypertrophy of facets is very rarely seen. The signs of myelopathy that results from compression of the spinal cord are frequently seen. Thoracic stenosis is generally seen at the lower thoracic levels which are the mobile segments. In this report; we present a rather rare case of segmental spinal stenosis at the level of thoracic 8-9 caused by bilateral facet hypertrophy. The diagnosis was made by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Extensive decompressive laminectomy and fusion with posterior transpedicular screw system was performed. Dramatic improvement was achieved in the postoperative follow-up period. Anahtar Kelimeler : Bilateral facet hypertrophy, Decompressive laminectomy, Thoracic spinal stenosis