History
A 30 year-old female presented complaining of two months worth of progressive low back pain and severe, radiating pain in the right lower extremity (sciatica). At the time of presentation, she reported associated numbness and weakness in her right lower extremity, particularly in her calf muscle. Her ability to ambulate and perform usual activities was severely impaired.
She had failed a full range of conservative treatment options including: lumbar spine activity modification, physical therapy, epidural steroid injections, and oral medications (including steroids, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and narcotic pain medication).
Examination
On examination, she was found to have reduced range of motion of her lumbar spine, positive sciatic nerve stretch testing, and measurable weakness in her calf muscle on the right side. Her gait was impaired, and she walked with a limp.
