Intradiscal vacuum phenomenon is commonly shown in radiographic studies of the degenerative spine. In terms of pathophysiology, intradiscal gas migrates to the epidural space, and then it could compress neural tissues and lead to severe radicular pain and/or neurologic deficits. Herein, we report two patients with lumbar radiculopathy resulting from gas-containing pseudocysts at the L5-S1 space, including our treatment and literature review. One patient had been underwent L5-S1 partial laminectomy and removal of the gas-containing pseudocyst, and the other underwent right selective L5 root block. After the procedures, they didn't have any remarkable complaints. In the present study, we suggest that surgical decompression may be effective in patients who were untreatable with conservative treatment.
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