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Broad Disc Protrusion

Broad disc protrusion refers to the percentage of the total disc circumference that is extending beyond its designated perimeter. While a focal disc protrusion involves less than 90 degrees of the total disc circumference, a broad disc protrusion involves 90-180 degrees of the total disc circumference. To fully understand this condition, it is important to have a working knowledge of the spine and its parts.

The spine is a complex system of vertebrae, facet joints, muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. These discs, made of cartilaginous material, serve a protective function for the spine, and also keep adjacent vertebrae attached to one another. As we age, these discs begin to degenerate-- commonly referred to as degenerative disc disease – becoming thinner, drier, and prone to damage. One resulting condition is disc protrusion, in which the intervertebral disc presses past its cylindrical perimeter and protrudes into the spinal canal.

While medical specialists may use terms like disc protrusion and bulging disc interchangeably, others distinguish disc protrusions as a bulge or protrusion that involves less than half (180 degrees or less) of the oval-shaped disc’s circumference. A bulging disc, on the other hand, can involve more than 180 degrees of the disc’s circumference. Consequently, protruding discs may be viewed as slightly more serious than bulging discs because a protrusion can mean that more pressure is placed on a smaller area of the disc, possibly making the protrusion more pronounced.

Broad disc protrusion symptoms, like numbness, tingling, and pain, occur when the disc impinges on a nerve root and/or the spinal cord. Some common tests that your doctor might employ in order to confirm a diagnosis of broad disc protrusion include the following:

• Medical history and physical – you will need to accurately describe the location and nature of all symptoms to your doctor. Your doctor will want to know about how frequently the symptoms appear and when they started.
• Lasegue test – a leg stretching and hip flexor test that could determine if you have a lumbar disc protrusion (a disc protrusion in your lumbar (lower) spine region).
• MRI or CT scan – advanced medical imagery tests.
• Steroid injections – if anti-inflammatory injections administered in specific locations ease your pain, it can help your doctor pinpoint what section of your spine may be suffering from intervertebral disc protrusion.

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If you are diagnosed with mild disc protrusion, it is possible that conservative treatment options will work. However, many patients seek the permanent pain relief that only spine surgeries can offer. Before you make a decision, know all of your options. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) is at the forefront of minimally-invasive, endoscopic procedures that have helped thousands of people find relief from broad disc protrusion. Contact us today to find out more about our revolutionary outpatient procedures, and to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.