Case 2:
A 61-year-old, retired sheet metal worker, with chronic low back pain
presented with a 2-month history of left sciatica that irradiated to the
foot in the L5 dermatome. Past medical history was unremarkable. There
was no paraesthesia, weakness, or bowel or bladder dysfunction. Physical
examination demonstrated a full range of motion. Motor and sensory
functions were normal and the straight leg-raising test was positive in
the left. Biological tests were normal.
Radiographs showed degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. CT scans
demonstrated a foraminal disc protrusion with intradiscal gas
compressing the left L5 nerve root (Fig 2). The patient improved on
conservative management or symptomatic treatment.