Question

HNP pathogenesis: What is the most common direction of herniation and what can it lead to____________.

1) Anterior
2) Posterior
3) Lateral
4) Medial

Answer 1

The most common direction of HNP herniation is posterior, often leading to sciatica, characterized by pain radiating from the lower back into the leg.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the pathogenesis of a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), the most common direction of herniation is posterior. This occurs when bending forward while lifting a heavy object causes the nucleus pulposus to press against and potentially rupture through the weaker posterior anulus fibrosus. The consequence of a posterior herniation can be compression of a spinal nerve, resulting in pain and/or muscle weakness in the areas supplied by the affected nerve. Notably, herniations at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs may lead to sciatica, which manifests as pain radiating from the lower back down the thigh and into the leg.