PREGNANCY AND THE HERNIATED LUMBAR-DISK

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (7) , 319-321
Abstract
During the last decade, 5 pregnant patients with symptoms and signs of a herniated lumbar disc were identified among a series of 48,760 consecutive deliveries an incidence of 1:10,000. In all cases, clinical evaluation and electromyography complemented conservative treatment during the final stage of pregnancy. Each patient was delivered by cesarean section. Large lumbar disc herniations in each case were subsequently identified by myelography. In all 5 cases, lumbar laminectomy was successful in facilitating the eventual resolution of the signs and symptoms of the radiculopathy. Although the mechanical and postural stresses of pregnancy were cited as predisposing causes of a herniated lumbar disc, this study suggests otherwise. Lumbosacral vertebral disc ruptures of pregnancy, while relatively rare, should nevertheless be recognized early, distinguished from other causes of lumbosacral gestational plexopathy, and promptly treated.

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