Signs of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Question 1

What are signs of lumbosacral radiculopathy?

Answer 1

Paresthesias and weakness in the distribution of the specific lumbar or sacral spinal nerves.

Question 2

What are often causes of radiculopathy?

Answer 2

1. intervertebral disc herniation in which the nerve associated with the inferior vertebral body is impinged (e.g. herniation of the L3-L4 disc affects the L4 spinal nerve)

Question 3

What direction do intervertebral discs typically herniate?

Answer 3

Intervertebral discs generally herniate posterolaterally due to the thin posterior longitudinal ligament and thicker anterior longitudinal ligament along the midline of the vertebral bodies.

Question 4

What findings are present with a radiculopathy of L3-L4?

Answer 4

1. Weakness of knee extension

2. decrease patellar reflex

Question 5

What findings are present with a radiculopathy of L4-L5?

Answer 5

1. weakness of dorsiflexion

2. difficulty in heel walking

Question 6

What findings are present with a radiculopathy of L5-S1?

Answer 6

1. Weakness of plantaflexion
2. Difficulty in toe-wlaking
3. Decrease in Achilles reflex