Idiopathic dorsal spinal cord herniation perforating the lamina: a case report and review of the literature

Spinal cord herniation (SCH) is a rare condition associated with tethering of the spinal cord at the ventral dural defect. Idiopathic dorsal spinal cord herniation (IDSCH) is an extremely rare clinical entity. Here, we report the first case of IDSCH perforating the lamina in a patient with a history of ossification of the ligamentum flavum and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. Untethering of the spinal cord was performed by removing the surrounded ossified dura. Although urological symptoms and impaired proprioception remained, progressive neurological deterioration was prevented. Because this disease condition is extremely rare, it should be differentiated from ventral SCH.