Lower Extremity Nerve Roots

Question 1

Testing Individual Nerve Root L4

Answer 1

Disc Level: L3Muscle test (1): 1.) Foot dorsiflexion & inversion - Tibialis anterior (Deep Peroneal Nerve)Reflex: PatellarSensation: Medial aspect of leg, medial foot, medial aspect of big toe

Question 2

Testing Individual Nerve Root L5

Answer 2

Disc Level: L4Muscle Tests (4): 1.) Foot dorsiflexion - Extensor digitorum longus - Extensor hallucis longus (Deep Peroneal Nerve) 2.) Big toe dorsiflexion - Extensor hallucis longus (Deep Peroneal Nerve) 3.) Toes 2, 3, 4 dorsiflexion - Extensor digitorum longus & brevis (Deep Peroneal Nerve) 4.) Hip & Pelvis abduction - Gluteus medius & minimus (Superior Gluteal Nerve)Reflex: NoneSensation: Lateral leg, dorsum of foot, and middle three toes

Question 3

Testing Individual Nerve Root S1

Answer 3

Disc Level: L5Muscle Tests (3): 1.) Foot plantarflexion - Gastrocnemius - Soleus (Tibial Nerve) 2.) Foot plantarflexion & eversion - Peroneus longus & brevis (Superficial Peroneal Nerve) 3.) Hip extension - Gluteus maximus (Inferior Gluteal Nerve)Reflex: AchillesSensation: Posterior aspect of the leg, lateral aspect of foot, and lateral aspect of little toe