Intraoperative Ultrasound and Findings of Lumbar Intradural Disc Herniation causing Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Abstract

Intradural lumbar disc herniation (ILDH) is a rare variant and accounts for 0.33-1.5% of lumbar disc herniations.1 Whilst clues exist on pre-operative imaging, they remain subtle and most cases of ILDH are diagnosed intraoperatively.2 Intraoperative ultrasound is a useful adjunct in diagnosing and managing ILDH. We present a case to demonstrate the features of an intradural herniated disc on ultrasound imaging and highlight the utility of intraoperative ultrasonography in establishing diagnosis, guiding dural opening, and confirming adequate nerve root decompression following discectomy.