Reduction of Extruding Intradural Lumbar Nerve Root in Dural Injury by Straight Leg Raising Maneuver: Experimental Cadaveric Study
Yingyong Torudom MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Background : No data was reported that straight leg raise (SLR) manuever in prone position could stretch intradural nerve
root and reduced it into dural sac. The finding of this condition could guide surgeon to repair dural sac easily during
accidental durotomy.
Objective : To evaluate the displaced intradural nerve root could be reduced into durotomy site during SLR maneuver in prone
position.
Material and Method: Fifteen unembalmed cadavers were used for this study. After dissection paraspinal muscle and
laminectomy, one centimeters midline durotomy at L4-5 was performed. Nerve root at the durotomy site was picked up and
pulled out 0.5 centimeter from durotomy site. SLR maneuver was done and the reduction of extruded nerve root was observed.
Results : All nerve roots came back into dural sac during three repeated SLR maneuver. No nerve root was incarcerated at
durotomy site.
Conclusion : SLR maneuver in prone position could tighten intradural nerve root and reduced it back into dural sac at the
level of L4-5.
Keywords : Intradural lumbar nerve root, Straight leg raise maneuver, Reduction, Dural tear
