[Calcification following intradiscal injection, a continuing problem?].

INTRODUCTION

Intradiscal injection of triamcinolone hexacetonide, used to treat sciatica caused by herniated discs was discontinued after discovery that it was followed in some cases by epidural calcification.

OBSERVATION

Ten years after an intradiscal injection at L4-L5, a 40 year-old man developed voluminous perivertebral, bilateral foraminal and intraductal calcifications that compressed the dural sheath. After preliminary excision, these calcifications recurred and required further excision, followed by posterior lateral grafting and osteosynthesis.

DISCUSSION

Calcifications following intradiscal injections are symptomatic in 14 to 68% of cases. They require radical surgical treatment to avoid recurrence.