METHODS

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).

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare pathologic condition with a clinical outcome of a surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral degeneration and spondylolisthesis of the lower thoracic spine associated with a Schmorl node in a young athlete has not been reported.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

The AIF resulted in a solid fusion, an improvement in sagittal alignment, and amelioration of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The AIF procedure was effective for lower thoracic symptomatic intervertebral disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis associated with a Schmorl node.