Musculoskeletal Disorders in Referrals for Suspected Lumbosacral Radiculopathy

Abstract

Musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients suspected of having lumbosacral radiculopathy. The high prevalence among both patients with normal studies and those with radiculopathy and other disorders limits the usefulness of this information in predicting study outcome. In particular, it is common for patients to have two or more problems and the presence of a musculoskeletal disorder should not preclude such testing.