Multidisciplinary approach to L3/L4 lumbar disc prolapse masquerading as focal limb myositis-a radiological challenge

Abstract

Prolapsed intervertebral discs are commonly associated with back ache and sciatica. Management is often conservative with analgesia and physiotherapy. Nerve root injections and discectomy procedures are used where conservative measures fail. Majority of patients present with symptoms of pain and motor weakness; however, a few can present as focal myositis of lower limb muscles in the distribution of radiculopathy. MRI scans of limbs are rarely done in these cases but if done can confound the radiologist. Our case report emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approach for a L3 nerve radiculopathy with confounding clinical presentation of focal lower limb myositis of unknown etiology.