AIM: To present a case (3rd report in the literature, 1st case with sequestrated-extruded disc herniation) of thoracic disc herniation that was sequestrated only by ligamentous injury without thoracic osseous pathology.

MATERIAL and METHODS: We reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of a 25-year-old man presenting with paraplegia after a car accident.

RESULTS: In this case, no pathology was seen on the X-ray and spinal computed tomography (CT), and the paraplegia of the patient was unexplained in the first examination. Subsequent spinal MRI revealed a T12-L1 cranial-migrated soft disc herniation, which was surgically treated and neurologically recovered within weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSION: Traumatic thoracic disc herniations are extremely rare and can be seen without any obvious signs of trauma on X-ray and spinal CT. A spinal MRI scan helps with diagnosis, while rapid surgical treatment (decompression) supports excellent recovery.