Use objective deficits and compartment localization to decide whether lumbar surgery is contraindicated and whether plexopathy or root disease is more likely. Document the lesion level and the management step it implies.

Lumbar surgery should be avoided without objective deficits or matching structural disease; Lumbar degenerative disc disease has a mixed prognosis over time; Failed back surgery syndrome means persistent or worsened pain after lumbar surgery; Sacral plexus lesions can cause broad posterior thigh and foot deficits; Lumbar plexopathy produces hip flexion and knee extension weakness