Sciatica Flashcards

1
Q

What is sciatica?

A

Characteristic pain felt in the lower back, buttocks and the posterior and lower leg that results from compression of any of the 5 nerve roots that contribute to the sciatic nerves

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2
Q

What is the most common cause of sciatica?

A

Disc prolapse of the L5/S1 disc

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3
Q

What are some other causes of sciatica?

A

Root compression by degenerative disease
Root compression by sinister cause
Root compression outside the spine
No root compression

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4
Q

What are some causes of root compression by degenerative disease, leading to sciatica?

A

Bone spurs
Canala stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Facet arthropathy

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5
Q

What are some causes of root compression by sinister cause, leading to sciatica?

A

Tumour
Fractures
TB

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6
Q

What are some causes of root compression outside the spine, leading to sciatica?

A

Piriformis syndrome
Endometriosis
Pelvic disease
Peroneal compression

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7
Q

Describe the pathophysiology of disc prolapse

A

Ageing causes dehydration and weakening of the disc
A defect in the annulus fibrosus may occur allowing the nucelus to herniate out, impinging on the spinal cord

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8
Q

What are some symptoms of sciatica?

A

Unilateral leg pain + back pain
Sharp, shooting, electric pain, radiating to the foot
Numbness and parasthesia may occur in the same distribution

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9
Q

What are some signs of sciatica?

A

Nerve irritation signs
Motor, sensory, or reflex changes in one nerve root

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10
Q

How is sciatica managed?

A
  • NSAIDs and analgesia
  • Consider surgery if unremitting/recurrent symptoms
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11
Q

What is the prognosis of sciatica?

A

Reasonable - 50% recover from acute attack in 6 weeks, 90% within 3 months

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