Identical lumbar spinal disk pathology in twins (clinical presentation and review of literature)

BackgroundThe occurrence of similar pathology in identical twins is well recognized. Spinal pathologies have been suggested to have a genetic predisposition. Degenerative lumbar spinal disease is one of them, with low back pain as one of its common presentations.Case DescriptionWe describe a case of monozygotic twins presenting with lumbar disk herniation at same level, that is, L4/L5. Both the twins underwent surgery.ConclusionsWe believe such a scenario is a rare occurrence and does highlight a probable role of genetic factors, over and above the environmental factors, in lumbar disk pathology.