Spontaneous Regression of a Large Lumbar Disc Extrusion

Abstract

Although the spontaneous disappearance or decrease in size of a herniated disc is well known, that of a large extruded disc has rarely been reported. This paper reports a case of a spontaneous regression of a large lumbar disc extrusion. The disc regressed spontaneously with clinical improvement and was documented on a follow up MRI study 6 months later. The literature is reviewed and the possible mechanisms of spontaneous disc regression are discussed.