[Anomalies of the lumbosacral nerve roots with low backache and sciatica]

Nine patients with lumbosacral nerve root anomalies (NRA) were reported. 36 cases were collected from reported papers in addition, seven types of NRA were classified by the author. They were: conjoined root (with the incidence of 31.11%), near roots (26.66%), two roots in same foreman (20%), anastomosis between roots (11.11%), double roots (4.44%), branch root and combined type (6.66%). The rate of finding of NRA by operation was 0.34%, that was far lower than by myelography and autopsy. Careful exploration can increase the finding rate. NRA can induce backache and sciatica by itself. Its clinical distinguishing features were severe symptoms, compression of multiple nerve roots slight or negative Lasegue sign. The principle of treatment of NRA was adequate decompression, but should be careful to avoid injury of displaced and tensile nerve roots. In this paper, the matters needing attention in operation was discussed as well.