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A hidden injury.

C U Dussa¹, B M Soni

¹Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Southport District General Hospital, Southport, UK. dussacu1@msn.com <dussacu1@msn.com>

Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ

|April 27, 2004

Summary

Transverse sacral fractures can cause cauda equina syndrome, often going unnoticed initially. This case reveals a seemingly minor injury with a poor neurological outcome.

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Area of Science:

Orthopedic Surgery
Neurosurgery
Trauma Care

Background:

Transverse sacral fractures are rare injuries.
Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious neurological condition.
Diagnosis of sacral fractures causing CES can be challenging.

Observation:

A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of cauda equina syndrome.
Initial assessment did not reveal significant findings.
A transverse sacral fracture was eventually identified as the cause.

Findings:

The sacral fracture was initially benign in presentation.
Despite the benign appearance, the fracture led to significant neurological deficit.
Delayed diagnosis contributed to the unfavorable outcome.

Implications:

Highlights the importance of considering sacral fractures in CES.
Emphasizes the need for high index of suspicion for subtle sacral injuries.
Underscores the potential for severe outcomes from seemingly minor trauma.