An Approach to the Examination of the Lumbar Plexus for Neurosurgical Residents: A Video Manuscript

TL;DR

This paper introduces a video-based method to teach neurosurgical residents how to examine the lumbar plexus, an important nerve network in the lower limbs.

Contribution

The novelty is a video manuscript that demonstrates practical examination techniques for the lumbar plexus and related nerves.

Findings

The lumbar plexus is often overlooked but is crucial for lower limb function and diagnosing nerve injuries.

A video was created to guide residents in examining the lumbar plexus and its branches effectively.

The video also includes examination techniques for the sciatic nerve and its branches.

Abstract

The lumbar plexus provides innervation to the lower limbs and is essential in enabling motor movement and sensation in the lower limbs. Some of its branches also innervate the muscles in the pelvic girdle. Compared to the brachial plexus in the upper limbs, the lumbar plexus appears to garner less recognition among physicians and surgeons. However, it is important to understand the anatomy of the lumbar plexus and its branches along with the innervation they enable, as injury to them can cause plexopathies and pathologies that should be recognised by any treating clinician. Lumbar disc herniation, trauma and entrapment by muscles or hypertrophic ligaments are common causes of lumbar plexus or nerve injuries. A video was produced to demonstrate the examination techniques explained in this article. To provide comprehensive examination of the lower limbs, the sciatic nerve and its branches are also included in the examination video.

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