Alkaptonuria with lumbar disc herniation: a report of two cases

Abstract

Study design: Two cases of lumbar disc herniation with alkaptonuria are presented.

Objectives: To present a probable clinical course of lumbar disc herniation with alkaptonuria, a rare metabolic disease.

Summary of background data: Although lumbar disc disease is a common clinical occurrence in alkaptonuria, lumbar disc surgery is needed rarely in this disease. A patient with alkaptonuria without ochronotic signs is also rarely seen.

Methods: The cause, clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques and treatment of alkaptonuria with lumbar disc disease are reviewed.

Results: The symptoms of the patients disappeared after surgery, and there were no symptoms on follow-up.

Conclusion: Alkaptonuria frequently occurs in association with lumbar disc disease. In patients with no other signs of alkaptonuria or ochronosis, early detection of the disease is important to treat involvement of other systems (e.g., cardiovascular and urinary).