Unusual Back Pain Caused by Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Associated With Schmorl Node at Th11/12 in a Young Athlete, Successfully Treated by Anterior Interbody Fusion

Abstract

A case report describing thoracic intervertebral disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis associated with a Schmorl node in a young athlete, which was successfully treated by anterior interbody fusion (AIF). To describe a rare pathologic condition with a clinical outcome of a surgical intervention. Intervertebral degeneration and spondylolisthesis of the lower thoracic spine associated with a Schmorl node in a young athlete has not been reported. A 19-year-old male amateur soccer player presented with severe back pain during motion. This pain was associated with intervertebral disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, and a Schmorl node at the Th11/12 level. He was surgically treated by AIF. The AIF resulted in a solid fusion, an improvement in sagittal alignment, and amelioration of symptoms. The AIF procedure was effective for lower thoracic symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis associated with a Schmorl node.