The accuracy of medical history and physical examination to indicate level of nerve root compression in patients with herniated lumbar disc.

ABSTRACT

A study of 95 cases of surgically documented lumbar disc herniation revealed that the correct level of nerve root compression could be identified in 68.4% by the pattern of radicular pain found in the patients. In 51.6% by physical examination for motor weakness and in 44.2% by an abnormal response of pin prick sensation. The combination of a complete history and physical findings will increase the predictive value of these basic diagnostic tools. This study confirms the usefulness of the medical history and physical examination in the diagnosis of the level of herniated lumbar discs.