[Thoracic intervertebral disk herniation]

Abstract

The history of thoracic intervertebral disc herniation recognition as a distinct condition is presented on the ground of the literature. Pathogenesis, pathology, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostics and differentiation is discussed. Evolution of surgical methods from laminectomy, through thoracotomy to lateral approach is presented. Comparison of results achieved by different methods proved disadvantageous for laminectomy. Increasing over recent decades contribution of orthopedic surgeons in treatment of thoracic intervertebral disc herniation is underlined. The issue is rarely present in Polish literature, thus the need to introduce it to orthopedic surgeons.