Conjoined Lumbar Nerve Roots

Abstract

Nerve root anomalies are frequently underrecognized on advanced imaging studies and may account for some percentage of failed spinal surgical procedures. The conjoined nerve root represents the most common nerve root anomaly. It is a well-known cause of false-positive readings for bulging and herniated disks in patients with purely axial neuroimaging studies. A retrospective evaluation of consecutive microsurgical lumbar diskectomies in 80 patients during a 5-year period was undertaken. A total of four patients (5%) were found intraoperatively to have evidence of a conjoined nerve root by the classification of Neidre. None was diagnosed preoperatively. Coronal magnetic resonance imaging offers the best means of visualizing a conjoined nerve root. The chance for a successful operation can be significantly enhanced if the surgeon is prepared to encounter this pathology.

Lumbar Disc Herniation in Adolescence

“…If no fractures are detected, back pain and muscle weakness are likely to be disregarded initially and analgesics are usually administered. Whereas computed tomography and plain radiography are valuable for identifying fractures and different bone pathologies, magnetic resonance imaging is still the gold standard for diagnosing lumbar disc herniation or lumbosacral nerve root anomalies [19,20,21,22,23]. We used magnetic resonance imaging to establish the diagnosis in all 17 of our cases.…”

“…Optimal magnification and illumination with the operating microscope is vital to reduce the risk of excessive root manipulation and minimize the chance that sequestered disc material will be overlooked. The operating scope also allows the surgeon to detect and address any root anomalies that could complicate the procedure [21,22,23]. …”

Anomalie d’émergence radiculaire par racine conjointe S1: à propos d’un cas

“…Elles sont définies comme deux racines nerveuses adjacentes qui partagent une enveloppe durale commune à un moment donné au cours de leur trajet [1]. Fréquemment unilatérales, des cas bilatéraux ont été notés.…”

Co-occurrence of lumbar spondylolysis and lumbar disc herniation with lumbosacral nerve root anomaly

“…[12] The prevalence of the disorder ranges between 1.2% and 17%, and it is as high as 6% in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and 30% in cadaveric studies. [345678] L5-S1 is the most common involvement level. [1567910] Some researchers have reported that radicular symptoms are more common in this disease owing to tension of the adherent nerve roots.…”

“…[345678] L5-S1 is the most common involvement level. [1567910] Some researchers have reported that radicular symptoms are more common in this disease owing to tension of the adherent nerve roots. [67911] Surgical outcomes are less satisfactory in the presence of nerve root anomalies.…”