Broad Based Herniated DiscBroad Based Herniated Disc Terminology
The addition of the term “broad based” to any disc diagnosis simply refers to the proportional size of the actual bulge or herniation. When the size of the herniation is 25% to 50% of the total disc circumference, the disc issue is described as being broad based. When the degree of bulge is less than 25%, the condition is described as being a
focal herniated disc.
Sometimes this is represented as a circular map, in which case, the herniated portion is 90 to 180 degrees of the total 360. In many cases, "diffuse" is substituted for "broad based", but many care providers also use the term "diffuse" to mean general widespread or symmetrical bulging, as well.The terminology used here is really quite irrelevant to patients, but these names often provide some degree of confusion on MRI and CT scan reports, so it is always a good idea to understand what they mean… at least in a very basic sense. Broad Based Herniated Disc FactsBroad based bulging discs are not any inherently worse than focal protrusions. Most broad based disc protrusions are not symptomatic or harmful in any way, although some may enact pain and possible related symptoms if they affect a neurological structure.Broad based central herniated discs are often reported to infringe or abut the thecal sac, which basically amounts to nothing. These herniations seldom provide any cause for alarm, although they often act as back pain scapegoats. Central herniated discs also may compress the actual spinal cord in some scenarios, enacting spinal stenosis and possibly requiring treatment. Broad based posterolateral herniated discs bulge towards the sides of the spinal canal, often entering what is known as the lateral recess. This is simply a space on the sides of the canal… In some cases, lateral herniations may cause foraminal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the space through which the spinal nerve roots pass. In very rare instances, the herniation may actually contact or compress a spinal nerve root, potentially causing neurological effects in the area of the body served by that structure. Broad Based Herniated Disc AdviceMany diffuse herniations are found in diagnostic imaging studies, regardless of whether the patient has back pain or not. I always advise patients to learn all the facts about herniated discs before seeking any type of treatment and also getting at last 2 to 3 different opinions from a variety of care providers (orthopedist and neurologist).It is easy to get caught up in “I have a …( insert diagnosis here)…” without really understanding what it all means. This mindset does no good, if you do not understand what the diagnosis actually is and how it corresponds (or doesn’t, as the case often is…) to the actual symptoms experienced… Broad Based Herniated Disc to Herniated Disc 6/15/10 Revised 7/15/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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