F. Turgut et al., LUMBOSACRAL PLEXUS COMPRESSION BY FETUS - AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF RADICULOPATHY DURING TEENAGE PREGNANCY, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 73(2), 1997, pp. 203-204
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.