Reduction of Extruding Intradural Lumbar Nerve Root in Dural Injury by Straight Leg Raising Maneuver: Experimental Cadaveric Study.

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.