Reflex sympathetic dystrophy associated with extraforaminal disc herniation at the L5-S1 level.
We report an association between an extraforaminal disc herniation at the L5-S1 level causing an L5 radiculopathy and a reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) in the affected foot. This is only the second reported case of a disc herniation at this level causing an RSD syndrome. We opted to treat both problems through a retroperitoneal approach involving a discectomy and a surgical sympathectomy. There was immediate and lasting relief from all symptoms, which has been maintained at 18 months' follow-up. The possible mechanisms for this condition are discussed as well as the various treatment options.
Condon
F
F
Department of Orthopaedics, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Kenny
P J
PJ
Griffin
J G
JG
O'Rourke
K
K
D000328:Adult; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012447:Sacrum; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed