LUMBOSACRAL PLEXUS COMPRESSION BY FETUS - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF RADICULOPATHY DURING TEENAGE PREGNANCY

a case is reported of a lumbosacral plexus compression by the fetus in a young 34-weeks pregnant woman, who had low-back pain and progressiv e muscular weakness of the leg. Neurological examination showed a grad e IV motor weakness of the iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris and biceps fe moris muscles. Mechanical stretch manoeuvers were negative. Electromyo graphy revealed denervation activity in L4 and L5 muscles. Lumbosacral plexus radiculopathy was diagnosed. Although fetal compression appear s to be an uncommon cause of lumbosacral radiculopathy during teenage pregnancy, both neurosurgeons and obstetricians should be aware of the possibility. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.