J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2002 Sep;32(3):200-203.

Acute Cauda Equina Syndrome Secondary to Lumbar Disc Herniation

• Shin DA
• Kong MH
• Chin DK
• Cho YE
• Yoon DH
• Kim YS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Acute cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation is a rare clinical entity, but its sequelae such as bladder and sexual dysfunction are too severe to overlook. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between surgical timing and outcome.
METHODS
Between 1994 and 1999, 43 patients(34 male and 9 female), ranging in age from 19 to 67 years(mean: 44.5), were operated due to acute cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation. All presented with bladder and bowel dysfunction:36(83.7%) had motor weakness and 32(74.4%) had sensory deficit. The levels of herniations were L4/5 in 16 patients, L5/S1 in 10 and L3/4 in 5.
RESULTS
The time to surgery from the onset of the symptom ranged from less than 24 hours to more than 14 days:10 patients underwent surgery within 48 hours of onset. The mean follow-up period was 54 months. In motor function recovery, there was no significant difference, but in bladder and sexual functions, there was significant difference according to the duration of symptoms before surgery.
CONCLUSION
In acute cauda equina syndrome, emergency decompression surgery should be done. The outcome is good in patients operated within 48 hours compared to those treated more than 48 hours after the onset of the syndrome.

Keyword

Acute cauda equina syndrome; Herniated lumbar disc; Neurogenic bladder; Outcome

MeSH Terms

Cauda Equina*
Decompression
Emergencies
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Polyradiculopathy*
Recovery of Function
Urinary Bladder
Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic