Lower limb nerve injuries and compression syndromes Flashcards
Where is the conus medularis?
L1/L2
What is found below the conus medularis?
Cauda equina
Where are lumbar punctures taken?
Below L3
Describe the severity of cauda equina pain
Radicular
More severe
Describe the severity of conus medularis pain
Less severe
Give the location of the cauda equine pain
Unilateral/asymmetric Perineum, thighs, and legs.
Give the location of conus medularis
Bilateral Perineum, thighs
Describe the sensory disturbance of the cauda equina
Saddle Unilateral/asymmetric
Describe the sensory disturbance of the conus medularis
Bilateral saddle distribution
Describe the motor loss of cauda equina
Asymmetric and atrophy
Describe the reflexes of cauda equina
Ankle and knee reduced
Describe the reflexes of conus medularis
Ankle only reduced
Describe the bowel and bladder in cauda equina
Late
Describe the bowel and bladder in conus medularis
Early
Describe sexual function in cauda equina
Impaired - less severe
Describe sexual function in conus medularis
Impaired - more severe
List some causes of cauda equina
Disc herniation
Spinal fracture
Tumour
List some causes of conus medularis
Disc herniation
Tumour
Inflammatory conditions
Infections
List some inflammatory conditions which may cause conus medularis
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating
Polyradiculopathy
Sarcoidosis
List some infections which may cause conus medularis
CMV HSV EBV Lyme TB
Describe sciatica
Compression- Disc- posterior central, lateral Bone- osteophyte Ligaments Small canal- stenosis
Which nerve roots is sciatica usually?
L5,S1
Where is the L5 nerve root?
Between L5 and S1 vertebral bodies
Where is the S1 nerve root?
Between S1 and S2 vertebral bodies
Where may pain be felt in sciatica?
Dermatome (sharp/superficial)
Myotome (deep ache)
What is the L1 dermatome?
Inguinal area
What is the L2 dermatome?
Front of thigh (front pocket)
What is the L3 dermatome?
Front of knee
What is the L4 dermatome?
Front-inner/medial leg
What is the L5 dermatome?
Outer leg, dorsum of the foot, inner sole
What is the S1 dermatome?
Little toe, rest of sole, back of leg
What is the S2 dermatome?
Thigh to top of buttock (back pocket)
Where are the S3-S5 dermatomes?
Rings around anus and genitalia