Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Lumbosacral plexus injury
LUMBOSACRAL PLEXOPATHY
We relieve the pain from lumbosacral plexopathy at our specialist Peripheral Nerve Unit at The Wellington Hospital
What is the lumbosacral plexus?
The lumbosacral plexus is a network of nerve fibres supplying the muscles of your lower limbs. It's located in your lower back, and forks into branches in front of the hip joint and down your legs.
Damage, at birth or due to a trauma, to the lumbosacral plexus causes pain and weakness in the lower back. This can feel like burning, cramping and tingling.
Need to know
There are several causes of lumbosacral plexus injury. These include forceful impact such as an accident, prolonged labour in childbirth, cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disease. Some cardiac procedures may also cause nerve damage.
The main symptoms of lumbosacral plexus injuries are:
- Pain in the low back and buttocks, spreading down the leg
- Sensory changes to the top of the foot
- Weakness in the outer thigh muscles
- Deep pelvic pain which spreads down the front of the thigh
- In diabetics, symptoms start in the thigh and hip, notably pain and extreme weakness.
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help make a diagnosis. They will ask you about your medical history (whether you're a person with diabetes for example) and whether you've experienced any recent trauma to the pelvis.
They may order an MRI scan or CT scan to locate where the nerve fibres are being compressed. They may also want to rule out injuries with similar symptoms. MRI scans and CT scans should be considered if a structural mass is suspected in the pelvic region.
Lumbosacral plexopathy is treated according to the cause. It can sometimes be managed through a mix of physiotherapy and painkillers. Corticosteroids often help where diabetes is the cause.
Nerve blocking injections, delivered into the lumbosacral plexus by ultrasound, can also be an effective treatment. These numb the injured nerves, stopping pain reaching the limb.
Finally, surgery can also help. Damaged nerves are reconnected using nerve grafts taken from other parts of the body. The nerve acts as a tube or cable, guiding the nerve fibres until they grow across the gap.
Mr Marco Sinisi - Peripheral Nerve Specialist
At HCA Healthcare UK, we work with leading consultants to enable access to the the latest techniques and treatment.
Mr Marco Sinisi is our lead consultant for Peripheral Nerve Injuries based at The Wellington Hospital. Mr Sinisi has a comprehensive knowledge of nerve injuries and has experience in a wide range of nerve problems from trauma through to sports injuries. He is experienced in managing complex nerve conditions as well as performing complex nerve operations.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
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Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.