Claudication of the cauda equina.
The term "claudication of the cauda equina" is examined. It has arisen from semantic errors, and a belief in ischaemia for which there is no scientific evidence. Its use tends to hamper rather than assist the investigation of patients with obscure pain in the lower limb. A preferable alternative term, "atypical sciatica", is suggested.
D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000098:blood supply*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011187:Posture; D009626:Terminology as Topic