[Recurrent sciatica caused by "conjoined nerve roots". Diagnosis, therapy, follow-up]

This study reports about 10 patients, with low back pain and sciatica caused by conjoined nerve roots. The described nerve root anomaly could produce sciatica even without the presence of a disc prolaps or another impingement. On computed tomography it is difficult to distinguish conjoined nerve roots from a disc prolaps. Two of these patients have been operated, eight of them have had conservative treatment. Our experiences show that the best results could be achieved with conservative treatment, especially with stabilising gymnastics and with transcutaneous nerve stimulation.