Which is More Important for Surgical Indication? Radiology or Physical Examination: A Case Report

The spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc is a common occurrence. However, regression of lumbar disc herniation at one level and occurrence of lumbar disc herniation at another level is not common. A 35 year old man presented with a lumbar disc extrusion at L2-3 level manifesting as a right L3 radiculopathy. Surgery was suggested to him but he refused. 3 months after onset, he suffered right L5 radiculopathy with a new lumbar disc extrusion at L4-5 level and there was a regression of previous L2-3 herniation. The present case suggest the importance of careful clinical examination and the importance of a new radiology accompanied by clinical findings before the surgery.