Review Question - QID 7931

A 42-year-old woman has a 3-week history of acute lower back pain with radiation into the left lower extremity. There is no history of trauma and no systemic symptoms are noted. Examination reveals a positive straight leg test at 25 degrees on the left side. Motor testing reveals mild weakness of the gluteus maximus and weakness of the gastrocnemius at 3/5. Sensory examination reveals decreased sensation along the lateral aspect of the foot. Knee reflex is intact; however, the ankle reflex is absent. MRI scans show a posterolateral disk herniation. The diagnosis at this time is consistent with a herniated nucleus pulposus at what level?