ENTRAPMENT NEUROPATHY OF THE MEDIAL SUPERIOR CLUNEAL NERVE - 19 CASESSURGICALLY TREATED, WITH A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

Study Design. In this study, the authors analyzed the results of the r elease of the medial superior cluneal nerve in a prospective series of 19 patients with suspected entrapment. Objectives. To ascertain, in s elected patients with low back pain, medial superior cluneal nerve ent rapment compromise at the posterior iliac crest crossing site, and to evaluate the results of nerve release. Summary of Background Data. A c adaveric study had shown that the medial superior cluneal nerve may be compressed at its transit site through an osseofibrous orifice at the posterior iliac crest. Methods. Nineteen patients suffering from unil ateral low back pain projecting in the territory of the medial superio r cluneal nerve, with a trigger point at the posterior iliac crest and with a positive block test at this level, underwent surgery. Results. Results were excellent in 13 cases (7 of which had suffered from seve re compression), and unsatisfactory in 6 cases (including 4 cases in w hom no compression could be demonstrated). Conclusion. Entrapment neur opathy of the medial superior cluneal nerve is a rare and easily treat able cause of unilateral low back pain.