Muscular Weakening in Radicular Syndrome and Impaired Stability

Overview

In patients with radicular syndrome L5 we observe sometimes impaired stability in a standing position and when walking, associated with weakening of the abductors of the hip joint and ventrolateral musculature of the leg. In a group of 44 patients with radicular irritational disappearance syndrome L5 the author evaluated optically standing on one leg, evaluating the postural disorder of the pelvis, intensity of oscillations of the trunk and level of the balancing pronation-supination movements of the leg. These symptoms can be used according to our experience when evaluating the process of regeneration of th nerve root as their intensity changes typically as the strenght of the affected muscle groups is restored. During progressing regeneration of the nerve root, the function of abductors of the hip joint (stability of pelvis) improves as well as the quality compensating pronation-suponation movements of the foot and therefore the intensity of oscillations of the trunk when standing on the affected lower extremity is slowly restored to a physiological level. The paper draws attention to important functional associations and emphasizes factors which have to be taken finto consideration during interpretation of the mentioned findings.

Key words:
impaired stability, radicular syndrome L5, abductors ot the hip joint, ventrolateral musculature ot the leg, oscillations ot the trunk, postural pelvis disorders, pronationsupination movements ot the leg