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Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

Spinal Nerves: Plexus II

The plexuses of the lower body include the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses, which innervate the abdomen, pelvis, legs, and coccygeal region. These plexuses control the transmission of sensory information and coordinate motor functions of the lower body.
The Lumbar Plexus
The lumbar plexus is situated within the lumbar region of the back and is primarily formed by the first four lumbar spinal nerves (L1 to L4). This plexus extends its branches into several nerves, including the...

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Spinal Nerves: Plexus I

Nerve plexuses are networks of interlacing nerves that serve as communication hubs to distribute and organize nerve action across various body regions. The nerve plexuses are organized into the cervical plexus located in the neck region, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, lumbar plexus found in the lower back, sacral plexus situated in the pelvis, and coccygeal plexus located in the coccygeal region.
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...

Spinal Nerves: Anatomy

Spinal Nerves: Anatomy

Spinal nerves are pivotal conduits in the nervous system, bridging the central nervous system (CNS) with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These nerves enable a complex communication network between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, facilitating sensory input, motor output, and autonomic functions.
There are 31 bilateral pairs of spinal nerves, each emerging from the spinal cord through the intervertebral foramina—openings between adjacent vertebrae. These nerves are...

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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

Published on: January 10, 2019

Causes of lumbosacral plexopathy.

A C Planner¹, M Donaghy, N R Moore

¹Department of Radiology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Clinical Radiology

|November 14, 2006

Summary

Reviewing the lumbosacral plexus with MRI and CT is crucial for diagnosing unexplained back, hip, and leg pain. Clinical history and tissue sampling aid diagnosis when imaging is non-specific.

Area of Science:

Neurology
Radiology
Anatomy

Background:

The lumbosacral plexus innervates the lower back, pelvis, and legs.
Diseases affecting this nerve network can cause significant pain and dysfunction.
Conventional diagnostic approaches may overlook plexus-related pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review diseases and disorders of the lumbosacral plexus.
To highlight the utility of MRI and CT in visualizing the plexus.
To emphasize the importance of considering the lumbosacral plexus in non-specific pain presentations.

Main Methods:

Review of medical literature focusing on lumbosacral plexus imaging.
Analysis of MRI and CT findings in various neuropathies.
Correlation of imaging results with clinical symptoms and diagnostic outcomes.

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Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

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Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy

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Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Surgical Approach and Complications of Stand-alone Lateral Trans-Psoas Interbody Fusion

Published on: February 14, 2025

Main Results:

Lumbosacral plexus pathologies can manifest with non-specific symptoms like back, hip, and pelvic pain.
Sciatica without disc prolapse warrants investigation of the lumbosacral plexus.
Imaging findings can be subtle, necessitating careful interpretation.

Conclusions:

Diagnostic imaging (MRI/CT) is vital for evaluating the lumbosacral plexus.
Integrating clinical history is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Tissue sampling may be required when imaging is inconclusive.