Lumbosacral Plexopathy

The lumbosacral plexus is a network of nerves formed by the anterior rami of the lumbar and sacral spinal cord, involving the L1 to S4 nerve roots. Lumbosacral plexopathy is an injury to the lumbar and sacral plexus nerves. Lumbosacral plexopathy is not an uncommon condition, but it can be difficult to diagnose and manage. However, this condition is far less common than brachial plexopathy. Patients with lumbosacral plexopathy usually present with low back and leg pain. Patients may also experience motor weakness, other sensory symptoms of numbness, paresthesia, and sphincter dysfunction.  Lumbosacral plexopathy can be caused by multiple etiologies, with diabetes mellitus, traumatic injury, neoplasms, penetrating trauma, and pregnancy being a few of the primary causes. Treatment is often limited and varies significantly depending on the underlying pathology. Lumbosacral plexopathy can be debilitating, severely affecting a patient's quality of life. Therefore, early identification and initiation of effective management are critical in reducing morbidity and mortality.