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The human spine provides support to the body allowing you to stand upright, bend, and twist. The spine can be broadly divided into the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The thoracic spine lies in the mid-back region between the neck and lower back and is protected by the rib cage.

24 spinal bones called vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to form a spinal column. Between two vertebrae there is a disc of cartilaginous tissue called an intervertebral disc. Intervertebral disc acts as a shock absorber and protects the spine from the strong forces of movement during activities such as jumping, running, and lifting.



Symptoms of thoracic disc herniation vary depending on the position and size of the disc herniation; nerve irritation or nerve injury; and damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms may include mid-back pain; pain around the front of the chest that may mimic heart problems; groin pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms. It may even affect bowel and bladder function.

Usually, thoracic disc herniation is treated conservatively with rest, back brace, medication, and physical therapy. Surgery is considered when long term conservative treatment does not relieve pain or the condition is rapidly getting worse or is affecting the spinal cord.

How is the surgery performed?



Posterolateral approach: This approach is also called as costotransversectomy. The herniated disc is accessed through an incision on the back of the spine. A window through the bones that cover the herniated disc is created by removing a small part of the rib where it connects to the spine (Costo means rib) and transverse process (a small bone attached to the spine). The discectomy is then performed with small instruments.

  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • American Association for Hand Surgery
  • American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • The American Board of Pediatrics
  • North American Spine Society
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