Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic insufficiency fracture: A case report of unique coexistence of complications after radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Abstract

Case reports of plexopathy after prostate cancer are usually neoplastic. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy and insufficiency fractures have clinical significance due to the need to differentiate them from tumoral invasions, metastases, and spinal pathologies. Certain nuances, including clinical presentation and screening methods, help distinguish radiation-induced plexopathy from tumoral plexopathy. This case report highlights the coexistence of these two rare clinical conditions. Herein, we present a 78-year-old male with a history of radiotherapy for prostate cancer who developed right foot drop, severe lower back and right groin pain, difficulty in standing up and walking, and tingling in both legs over the past month during remission. The diagnosis of lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic insufficiency fracture was made based on magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and electroneuromyography. The patient received conservative symptomatic treatment and was discharged with the use of a cane for mobility. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy following prostate cancer should be kept in mind in patients with neurological disorders of the lower limbs. Pelvic insufficiency fracture should also be considered if the pain does not correspond to the clinical findings of plexopathy. These two pathologies, which can be challenging to diagnose, may require surgical or complex management approaches. However, in this patient, conservative therapies led to an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in the burden of illness.

Citation: Güler T, Yurdakul FG, Karasimav Ö, Kılıç Z, Yaşar E, Bodur H. Radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy and pelvic insufficiency fracture: A case report of unique coexistence of complications after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2024;35(2):455-461. doi: 10.52312/jdrs.2024.1551.

A written informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Idea/concept, design, writing the article, references and fundings: T.G., F.G.Y., Ö.K., Z.K., H.B.; Control/supervision: Ö.K., Z.K.; Data collection and/or processing, analysis and/or interpretation: T.G., F.G.Y., Z.K.; Literature review: T.G., F.G.Y., Ö.K.; Critical review: E.Y., H.B.; Materials: Z.K., E.Y., H.B.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.