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Alternating sciatica while jogging: an early symptom of cauda equina tumor
K Inoue1, S Hukuda, A Katsuura
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Early diagnosis of spinal cord tumors in athletes may be indicated by alternating sciatica during jogging. This symptom, distinct from lumbar disc herniation, suggests a mobile tumor affected by inertial forces.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
Background:
- Cauda equina and lumbosacral cord tumors can present with subtle early symptoms.
- Athletes may experience unique physical manifestations of spinal conditions due to their activity levels.
Observation:
- Three athletic patients with spinal tumors reported alternating bilateral sciatica synchronized with each jogging stride as an initial symptom.
- This symptom was compared to athletic patients experiencing lumbar disc herniation.
Findings:
- The observed sciatica during jogging appears to be a significant early indicator for spinal cord tumors.
- The proposed mechanism involves inertial forces acting on a mobile intradural tumor during athletic activity.
Implications:
- Recognizing this specific jogging-induced sciatica can aid in the early diagnosis of cauda equina and lumbosacral cord tumors.
- This finding may lead to improved diagnostic strategies for spinal tumors in athletic populations.