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Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
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Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

Cauda equina syndrome.

Leo R Spector1, Luke Madigan, Alfred Rhyne

  • 1OrthoCarolina Spine Center, 2001 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, USA.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
|July 31, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cauda equina syndrome, a rare spinal condition, causes back pain, leg weakness, and loss of bowel/bladder control. Urgent surgery is crucial for decompression and preventing permanent damage.

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Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review
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Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats
08:46

Spinal Cord Lateral Hemisection and Asymmetric Behavioral Assessments in Adult Rats

Published on: March 24, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spinal Medicine

Background:

  • Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is an uncommon condition often caused by spinal lesions.
  • It presents with low back pain, sciatica, sensorimotor deficits, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
  • Pathophysiology involves nerve root damage from compression, congestion, or ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
  • To emphasize the importance of early recognition, especially in postoperative patients.
  • To underscore the necessity of prompt surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentation and pathophysiology of Cauda Equina Syndrome.
  • Analysis of diagnostic challenges, including subtle early signs.
  • Emphasis on clinical suspicion in refractory pain and urinary retention.

Main Results:

  • Early CES symptoms can be subtle and mistaken for common postoperative issues.
  • Classic signs include urinary retention, saddle anesthesia, and bilateral lower extremity deficits.
  • Decreased rectal tone is often a late indicator.

Conclusions:

  • A high index of suspicion is vital for diagnosing CES, particularly post-surgery.
  • Prompt surgical decompression of the spinal canal is the definitive treatment.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to minimize neurological deficits.