Year: 2025 | Month: May | Volume: 12 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 680-683
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250572
Clinical Outcomes of C3-4 Spinal Canal Injuries Due to Traumatic Herniated Nucleus Pulposus: A Case Report
Ery Satriawan11, Syaifullah Asmiragani1, Andhika Yudistira1, Surya Iman Muhammad1
1Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya – Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Ery Satriawan1
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Spinal canal injuries at the cervical C3-4 level represent critical concerns in orthopedics due to their potential for significant morbidity. Recent studies indicate an increasing prevalence of such injuries, largely attributed to traumatic events and degenerative conditions leading to herniation of the nucleus pulposus. This paper discusses the unique epidemiological trends surrounding C3-4 herniations, which, although less common than those at C4-5, can result in severe neurological deficits.
Case Presentation: A 56-year-old male presented with weakness in both upper and lower extremities, accompanied by numbness, following a single-motorcycle accident three days prior. Motor evaluation showed a score of 2/2 at the C5 level, while sensory assessment indicated a score of 1/1 at the C4 level. The patient's ASIA score was classified as grade C. Diagnostic imaging confirmed a herniated nucleus pulposus at C3-4. During the operation, disc herniation was identified, prompting an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
Discussion: The incidence of disc herniation between C2-C3 was less than 1%, and the herniated C3-C4 disc is very rare; understanding the distinct characteristics and management strategies associated with C3-4 herniations is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Ongoing research is vital to develop standardized protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of these injuries, ultimately improving care for affected patients.
Conclusion: ACDF proved to be a safe and effective approach, resulting in significant functional recovery.
Keywords: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, nucleus pulposus, spinal injuries.
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