Late-onset myelopathy. A delayed complication of chemonucleolysis

Chemonucleolysis is a debated therapeutic method for herniated lumbar disc. We report a patient who suffered a sequence of characteristic sequels cumu lating in late-onset myelopathy with persistent spastic paraplegia, sensory loss below T8 and bladder incontinence. Complications of chemonucleolysis are less frequent as compared to herniated disc surgery, but may cause seve re impediment. Serious complications are anaphylactic shock, intracranial o r spinal hemorrhage and transverse myelitis. This has to be taken into acco unt for indication and patient information.