Adolescent Lumbar Disc Herniation with a Peculiar Gait Pattern Managed by Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Introduction: Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is common manifestation of a degenerative disease involving tensile failure of the annulus to contain the gel like nuclear portion of the disc. Lumbar herniated discs can often cause muscle weakness, reduced motor function, and change in walking capacity and gait pattern.

Case presentation: We present the case of an 18-year-old obese hypertensive male, with multiple level lumbar disc herniation, with a neurological deficit and failed conservative treatment. The patient was successfully operated by minimal invasive endoscopy approach and had a marked improvement in the neurological status post-surgery. Post-surgery, his neck regained normal posture, with no back or leg pain. At present, he is walking with a normal gait pattern after a 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Here, we describe a unique gait abnormality in a patient with adolescent LDH. Transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery had good functional outcomes with minimal morbidity.