Cervical myelopathy due to nuclear herniations in young adults: clinical and radiological profile, results of microdiscectomy without interbody fusion.

A study was made of the clinical and radiological characteristics and the results of microsurgical discectomy without interbody fusion, of 26 young adults, who presented with cervical myelopathy due to nuclear herniations. Neck trauma was not a significant aetiological factor. The disease produced moderate to very severe functional disability in most patients (73%), in a relatively short period (mean symptom duration 6.3 months). Radiological assessment revealed the presence of canal stenosis, significant disc protrusions with paucity of spondylotic changes in most patients. At operation, soft disc lesions were found in 85% and sequestrated discs in 31%. Microsurgical discectomy without fusion produced gratifying recovery of functional disability without significant deleterious effects on the cervical spine.