The L3-L4 intervertebral disc is the middle lumbar disc level, less commonly herniated than L4-L5 and L5-S1 but producing L4 nerve root compression when it does herniate. It is the most cranial of the three common lumbar disc levels addressed surgically.
L3-L4 disc herniation produces L4 radiculopathy with anterior thigh and medial leg pain, quadriceps weakness, and reduced patellar reflex. It is less common than L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniations and more commonly occurs in older patients with degenerative disc disease. L3-L4 interbody fusion is technically simpler than the lower levels due to the higher position of the iliac crests and better surgical access.
Posterolateral or far-lateral L3-L4 disc prolapse compressing the L4 nerve root producing anterior thigh pain, quadriceps weakness, and reduced knee jerk, managed conservatively or by microdiscectomy.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
