Absence of the Lumbosacral Trunk.

Publication Title

Cureus

Authors

Cameron K Schmidt
Joe Iwanaga
Emre Yilmaz, Swedish Medical Center, Swedish Neuroscience InstituteFollow
Charlotte Wilson
Rod J Oskouian, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USAFollow
R Shane Tubbs

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-30-2017

Keywords

anatomic variation; cadaver; lumbosacral plexus; lumbosacral trunk

Abstract

The lumbosacral trunk, typically comprised of part of the fourth lumbar ventral rami and the entirety of the fifth lumbar ventral rami, serves as a connection between the lumbar and sacral plexuses. Developmental differences underlie the variable relative contributions of L4 and L5 to the lumbosacral trunk. Herein, we report a rare case in which dissection of an adult male cadaver revealed no L4 contribution to the lumbosacral plexus. We discuss the surgical and clinical implications of such an anatomic variation.

Area of Special Interest

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Specialty/Research Institute

Neurosciences

Specialty/Research Institute

Surgery