Thoracic disc disease. Clinical manifestations and surgical treatment.

Thoracic disc herniation in an uncommon spinal entity. The authors discuss three variations in the presentation of the disease and point out the importance of being able to recognize both the thoracic prolapsed disc and the symptomatic degenerated nonherniated disc. The seven cases that are reported demonstrate the unique presentations of this disease and the techniques for treatment. Utilization of the anterior transthoracic approach for the excision of the herniated disc is emphasized.