Prolapsed disc Flashcards
What does a prolapsed lumbar disc usually cause?
Dermatomal leg pain associated with neurological deficits.
What are the main features of a prolapsed disc?
Leg pain usually worse than back
Pain often worse when sitting
What are the main features of nerve root compression at L3?
Sensory loss over anterior thigh
Weak quadriceps
Reduced knee reflex
Positive femoral stretch test
Where would there be sensory loss if there was compression at L3?
Over the anterior thigh
What wil be reduced in someone with compression at L3?
Knee reflexes
What will be weak if there is compression at L3?
Quadriceps
What are the main features of compression at L4?
Sensory loss anterior aspect of knee
Weak quadriceps
Reduced knee reflex
Positive femoral stretch test
Where would there be sensory loss if there was compression at L4?
Over the anterior aspect of the knee
What would be positive in both nerve root L3 and L4 compression?
Positive femoral stretch test
What are the main features of nerve root compression at L5?
Sensory loss dorsum of foot
Weakness in foot and big toe dorsiflexion
Reflexes intact
Positive sciatic nerve stretch test
Where would there be sensory loss if there was nerve root compression at L5?
Dorsum of the foot
Where would there be weakness if there was compression at L5?
Weakness in foot and big toe dorsiflexion
What are the main features of nerve root compression at S1?
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
Where would there be sensory loss if there was compression of the S1 nerve root?
Posterolateral aspect of leg and lateral aspect of foot
Where would there be weakness if there was compression of the S1 nerve?
Plantar flexion of foot
