Cauda equina syndrome: a comprehensive review.
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.
Gitelman
Alex
A
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Hishmeh
Shuriz
S
Morelli
Brian N
BN
Joseph
Samuel A
SA
Casden
Andrew
A
Kuflik
Paul
P
Neuwirth
Michael
M
Stephen
Mark
M
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