Back pain and sciatica

Question 1

Which spinal nerves come together to form the sciatic nerve

Answer 1

L4-S3

Question 2

The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis via the

Answer 2

greater sciatic foramen

Question 3

The sciatic nerve divides at the knee into the

Answer 3

tibial and common peroneal nerves

Question 4

Typical sciatic pain

Answer 4

unilateral
radiates from buttock down the back of the thigh

Question 5

Causes of sciatica

Answer 5

herniated disc
spondylolisthesis
spinal stenosis

Question 6

bilateral sciatica can is a red flag for

Answer 6

cauda equina

Question 7

Sciatica in under 40s can indicate

Answer 7

ankylosing spondylitis

Question 8

sciatica with local spinal tenderness can indicate

Answer 8

spinal fracture or cancer

Question 9

features of back pain caused by prolapsed disc

Answer 9

leg pain worse than back
pain worse when sitting

Question 10

features of L3 nerve root compression

Answer 10

Sensory loss over anterior thigh
Weak hip flexion, knee extension and hip adduction
Reduced knee reflex
Positive femoral stretch test

Question 11

features of L4 nerve root compression

Answer 11

Sensory loss anterior aspect of knee and medial malleolus
Weak knee extension and hip adduction
Reduced knee reflex
Positive femoral stretch test

Question 12

features of L5 nerve root compression

Answer 12

Sensory loss dorsum of foot
Weakness in foot and big toe dorsiflexion
Reflexes intact
Positive sciatic nerve stretch test

Question 13

features of S1 nerve root compression

Answer 13

Sensory loss posterolateral aspect of leg and lateral aspect of foot
Weakness in plantar flexion of foot
Reduced ankle reflex
Positive sciatic nerve stretch test