Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment

Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar disc fragment (PEMLDF) refers to the dorsal migration of disc material around the thecal sac that can lead to radiculopathy and/or cause a cauda equina syndrome. It is rare and the diagnosis is often just established intraoperatively.

A 50-year-old male with a chronic history of low back pain and psychosis presented with PEMLDF originating at the L4-L5 level.

Lumbar disc herniations rarely present as PEMLDF resulting in symptoms varying from radiculopathy to cauda equina syndrome. These should be included among the differential diagnostic considerations for dorsolateral epidural lesions ¹⁾.