title: Far lateral thoracic disc herniation presenting with flank pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although thoracic disc herniations are rare, misdiagnosis is an undesirable situation, as it results not only in unnecessary diagnostic studies and surgical procedures, but also in progressive myelopathy and paralysis. Therefore, it is important to be aware of patients with thoracic disc herniations presenting with unusual or atypical symptoms mimicking other non-spinal disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  A patient with left flank pain compatible with urinary system disorder, who proved to have thoracic disc herniation, is presented.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report
  
  
  METHODS
  The cause of the patient's pain could not be elucidated until thoracic spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left thoracic 10-11 lateral disc herniation with associated nerve root compression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Conservative therapy including bed rest and analgesic medication was initiated. He had complete pain relief within the same day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thoracic disc herniation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with pain likely caused by nonspinal disorders, especially if basic diagnostic studies do not reveal the cause.
authors.affiliation: Florence Nightingale Hospital, Orthopedic Surgery, Abide-i Hurriyet Caddesi No: 290, 80220 pipli, Istanbul, Turkey. rezocagatay@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Cagatay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ozturk
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tezer
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sirvanci
authors.forename: Mercan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sarier
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aydogan
authors.forename: Azmi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamzaoglu
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001510:Bed Rest; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D021501:Flank Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics