Atypical lumbar disc herniation: a case report

Background context: This is a case report of a right posterolateral L5–S1 disc herniation that migrated to the left cephalad level to impinge on the left L5 nerve root as it exited the dura. The resultant free fragment migration is a rare variation of a posterolateral disc disruption. Purpose: The purpose is to report a rare variation of lumbar disc herniation not previously reported in the literature. Study design/setting: Case report. Patient sample: A 60-year-old white woman. Outcome measures: Resolution of the patient's left lower extremity symptoms. Methods: Not applicable. Results: The patient experienced resolution of most of her left lower extremity symptoms after a slightly modified microscopically assisted lumbar hemilaminectomy, discectomy and nerve root decompression Conclusions: This is a rare right to left migration of a sequestrated disc herniation, which was effectively treated with surgery.