L5 radiculopathy caused by L5 nerve root entrapment by an L5-S1 anterior osteophyte.

Background: L5 radiculopathy is a common problem that has several causes. Entrapment of the L5 nerve root by anterior osteophytes at the L5-S1 junction is rarely reported. Posterior decompression of the L5 nerve root is commonly performed, but anterior decompression of the L5 nerve root is not a frequently performed procedure.