Clinical and Neurological Profiles of Patients with Suspected Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: One of the most common causes of low back pain and radiculopathy, which highly contributes to functional disability and reduced quality of life, is lumbar disc herniation. There is great variability in its clinical presentation, which may range from localized lumbago through radiating leg pain, sensory disturbances, and motor weakness, depending on the level and severity of nerve root compression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and neurological profiles of patients with suspected lumbar disc herniation. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected from 31 symptomatic herniated lumbar disc patients admitted to Departments of Neurosurgery at BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) and DMCH (Dhaka Medical College Hospital), Bangladesh, from July 2015 to October 2016. Data analyses were performed with SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the variables. Results: Of 31 patients with suspected lumbar disc herniation, most were middle-aged males, with the highest percentage in the 41-50-year age group. The main complaints were lumbago (96.8%) and sciatica-more often left-sided. Neurological examination frequently disclosed limping gait (90.3%), EHL weakness (38.7% right, 74.2% left), reduced deep tendon reflexes, and sensory deficits mainly in L5 and S1 dermatomes. Special tests disclosed reduced angles of SLR and disturbance in heel and toe walking, which indicated nerve root involvement. Conclusion: This study shows that lumbar disc herniation predominantly involves middle-aged males, mostly presenting with lumbago, sciatica, and sensory disturbances. Neurological examination often showed limping gait, motor weakness, especially of the EHL, diminished reflexes, and sensory impairments in the dermatomes, especially L5 and S1.