Spontaneous Regression of Herniated Cervical Disc Within Previous Laminectomy Segment: a Case Report

Spontaneous regression of disc herniation has been well-described in literature being lumbar spine the most frequent location. Limited data is reported concerning cervical spine, and conservative treatment has been questioned for its potential tendency to present neurological worsening requiring surgical management. We report the uncommon case of a 72-year-old male patient with previous cervical laminectomy due to myelopathy who 12 years later came back to our outpatient consultation for neurological worsening as previous to the operation. Symptoms and physical examination showed severe myelopathy which was later confirmed on magnetic resonance. A C4–C5 left paracentral disc herniation with important canal stenosis was revealed at the same level of laminectomy. Waiting for surgery, as it was considered the most suitable treatment, the patient presented complete neurological recovery and consequent spontaneous herniation regression on magnetic resonance. Disc herniation management may be conservative or surgical. Throughout literature, there are several cases of lumbar disc herniation regression with non-surgical treatment; however, there is little data regarding cervical spontaneous resorption. As it happened on our case, the conservative management is a valid option; thus, it is mandatory to weigh the potential risk of neurological deterioration.