Gorham's disease, also called massive osteolysis or vanishing bone disease, is an enigmatic condition caused by endothelial proliferation occurring in bone and soft tissue. Death is frequent when there is spinal or visceral involvement. We present a case of spinal and skull base Gorham's disease that was reversed by radiation therapy administered while the spine was supported by a halo vest. The literature is reviewed.

Herniation of a lumbar disc in the pediatric age group is rare. A 12-year-old female twin developed backache and left sciatica after a mild lifting injury. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed multilevel lumbar disc herniation. The patient was managed conservatively and her symptoms subsided within 6 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging of her asymptomatic twin sister revealed a similar pattern of disc degeneration and multilevel herniation. This report emphasizes the hereditary nature of juvenile lumbar disc degeneration.

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