Abstract des Autors

Thoracic disc protrusion is an uncommon disorder with incidence rates between 0.5 and 5% of all disc herniations. We describe a case of thoracic disc protrusion precipitated by weight lifting in an athlete who had kyhosis stemming from Scheuermann's disease. Clinical findings included various subjective and objective complaints. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine showed a thoracic disc protrusion between the T9 and T10 vertebrae. The symptoms were already lessening at the time of the diagnosis, and nonoperative treatment was preferred. No paralysis and neither bladder nor bowel dysfunction were noted. The patient has returned to moderate sports activity. The end-plate irregularities and Schmorl's prolapse noteiced in the surrounding vertebrae may have predisposed the intervertebral disc to protrusion of nucleus pulposus. Weight lifting may be unsafe in subjects with thoracic spine irregularities. Verf.-Referat