Disc herniation affecting transiting nerve root - lumbar spine
Diagnosis not applicable
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Info
Right-sided subarticular disc protrusion in the lumbar spine, contacting the transiting nerve root which exits at the level below the herniation. The nerve root at the level of the disc herniation is unaffected.
Case Discussion
In the lumbar spine, the exiting nerve roots hook around the pedicles above their same-level disc, and therefore are seldom affected by disc herniations. The transiting nerve root which exits at the level below, however, passes in close proximity to the disc above the level it exits, and therefore is frequently affected, as shown in the diagram.