Metrizamide examination of traumatic lumbar nerve root meningocele.

Demonstration of traumatic lumbosacral root avulsion is a rare clinical entity because the bony pelvis offers support and protection to the nerve roots against stretching and rupture. Major vehicular trauma producing unstable pelvic fractures allows lumbosacral root avulsion to occur, and the 18th well-documented case is reported. Delay in diagnosis of several months is common. Demonstration of traumatic meningoceles is important, and metrizamide offers better visualization of the root than does iodophendylate. Absence of the root in the meningocele is equated with avulsion.