Sciatic Scoliosis Caused by Lumbar Disk Herniation

Abstract

Scoliotic change of the lumbar spine due to lumbar disc herniation is regarded as the sciatic scoliosis. It is generally believed that the shape of the curve is oriented as to keep the nerve root away from the herniated disc. In our study of 40 cases with lumbar disc herniation, the curves were observed in 14. In 11 out of the 14 cases with scoliosis (79%), the convex side corresponeded with the side of the herniation, and after operation the curve subsided. Therefore, we consider that most of the shape of the curve is decided whether the herniation is at the right or left side.