An intraoperative finding of double L5 nerve root

Congenital anatomical anomalies of the lumbosacral nerve root are a rare condition. Various types of anomalies of the lumbosacral nerve roots have been described in the literature. Undiagnosed lumbosacral nerve root anomalies are at risk for iatrogenic injury, may contribute to wrong-site surgery, and contribute to continued postoperative symptoms. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old female with discogenic back pain and L5 radiculopathy who found to have a duplicated left L5 nerve root intraoperatively.