A 44-year-old Korean woman was admitted to our department on March 5, 1973 with complaints of low back pain and radiating leg pain on the right side which have persisitent for past 4 years.However, the persisted for past 4 years.patient had a history of radiating leg pain on the left side about 8 years ago.
Physical examination revealed paravertebral muscle spasm . On both sides, limited backward bending, normal straight leg raising test, decreased ankle jerk on both sides and mild sensory change in the right L5 dermatome.
Plain radiograms of the lumbar spine showed decreased normal lumbar lordosis and narrowing of L4-5 and L5-S1 interspaces: Myelogram demonstrated partial obstruction by marked bilateral Indentation filling defect at L4-5 level, narrowing of dye column below that level, and abnormal root sleeves.
Under the impression of herniated L4-5 intervertebral disc, total laminectomies of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae were performed and found relatively hypertrophic ligamentum flavum and bilaterally conjoined roots commonly originating from dural sac. Following decompression the wound was closed routinely. Postoperatively all symptoms were improved.
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