AccessPT Channel, Weekly Physical Therapy Conundrum

PT Question of the Week - Lower Extremity Paresthesia

A patient presents with complaints of paresthesia extending to the left ankle and severe lumbar pain. The most significant finding of your examination is a positive straight leg raise test on the left lower extremity. Of the following, which is the most likely source of the patient’s symptoms?

1. A left posterior herniation/protrusion of the lumbar disk

2. A right posterior herniation/protrusion of the lumbar disk

3. Piriformis syndrome

4. A sacroiliac joint dysfunction

The correct answer will be posted in a few days.