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Synchronous Lumbar Disc Herniation in Adult Twins. Case Report

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Ratan Bhardwaj
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Research Program, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto and Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
Rajiv Midha
Affiliation:
Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Research Program, Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto and Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Abstract

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Objective:

To report an unusual case of large synchronous lumbar disc herniation in adult twins.

Methods:

Case report and relevant literature review.

Results:

The authors report a case of adult female monozygotic twins who synchronously presented with huge lumbar disc herniation. Rather than being a curious coincidence, this case highlights the potential importance of hereditary factors in the causation of lumbar disc degeneration. The relevant literature regarding the role of genetic factors and their relationship to other risk factors in lumbar disc degeneration is reviewed and discussed.

Conclusion:

Synchronous lumbar disc herniation in adult twins is a rare event. It, however, sheds light on the role of genetic factors in disc degeneration.

Type
Other
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2004

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