[Diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome.


METHODS
Thirty-four cases of cauda equina syndrome from 1993 to 2005 were analysed retrospectively. Its clinical representation, pathology character and clinical outcome were observed.


RESULTS
At follow-ups of 3 to 102 months after the treatment (averagely 43 months), the muscle strength and function of the constrictor began to resume to different degrees. Muscle strength resumed gradually one week after the operation, resumed faster 3 months after the operation, and resumed completely more one year later. Function of the constrictor began to resume 3 days after the operation, and resumed mostly six months or so after the operation. Sense resumed slowly.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical outcome of cauda equina syndrome is good. Resumption after the operation obviously correlates to the time of operation. One week after the operation, the kinetic function resumes best, function of the constrictor resumes well and the sense function of the saddle area resumes not very well.
Lu
Chang
C
Department of Spinal Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China. luchang001@126.com
Li
Jing
J
Lü
Guo-hua
GH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies