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CT LUMBAR LATERAL OSTEOPHYTE CAUSING NERVE COMPRESSION

FROM TODAY'S REPORTING

CT LATERAL OSTEOPHYTE LUMBAR NERVE ROOT ENCASEMENT AND COMPRESSION

In lumbar spine CT imaging, nerve root compression is frequently attributed to disc herniations or osteophytes within the spinal canal or neural foramina. Lateral disc protrusions are less common causes. This case presents an uncommon etiology: Lateral osteophyte encasing and compressing the exiting nerve root.

CT ASSESSMENT OF LATERAL LUMBAR OSTEOPHYTE CAUSING NERVE ROOT COMPRESSION

CT FINDINGS

Specifically, this CT demonstrates encasement of the right L5 nerve root (indicated by the pink arrow) by a prominent lateral osteophyte (Green arrow). On the patient’s left, a lateral osteophyte is present (Orange arrow), but without nerve root encasement; the nerve root lies adjacent (Yellow arrow) to the osteophyte without compression.

KEY CT INTERPRETATION POINT

While lateral osteophytes are commonly observed on lumbar spine CT, and often not clinically significant, this case demonstrates the importance of evaluating the relationship between lateral osteophytes and the exiting nerve roots to detect any potential nerve root compression by lateral osteophytes.