title: Cauda equina syndrome: a comprehensive review.
abstract: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare syndrome that has been described as a complex of symptoms and signs--low back pain, unilateral or bilateral sciatica, motor weakness of lower extremities, sensory disturbance in saddle area, and loss of visceral function--resulting from compression of the cauda equina. CES occurs in approximately 2% of cases of herniated lumbar discs and is one of the few spinal surgical emergencies. In this article, we review information that is critical in understanding, diagnosing, and treating CES.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gitelman
authors.forename: Shuriz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hishmeh
authors.forename: Brian N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Samuel A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casden
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kuflik
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neuwirth
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stephen
mesh_terms: D002420:Cauda Equina / Q000473:pathology*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery