Scrotal pain as the presenting symptom of lumbar disc herniation: a report of 2 cases

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Jan 15;30(2):E47-9. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000150633.36777.c8.

Abstract

Study design: Case description.

Objective: To describe a treatable cause of scrotal pain associated with lumbar disc herniation

Summary of background data: Scrotal pain due to intraspinal compression of a sacral nerve root caused by lumbar disc herniation is probably very rare, as the literature contains only sporadic single case descriptions.

Methods: Two patients with isolated scrotal pain were analyzed. In both patients, a lumbar disc herniation was found. Lumbar discectomy was performed in both patients.

Results: Complete and persisting relief of the scrotal pain was obtained after lumbar discectomy.

Conclusions: Despite the absence of other symptoms or signs suggestive of nerve root involvement, lumbar disc herniation with intraspinal compression of a sacral nerve root seemed the most probable cause of the scrotal pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diskectomy
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / pathology*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / etiology
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / surgery
  • Pain / diagnosis*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Scrotum / pathology*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome