Cauda equina
The spinal cord ends around the level of the L1 and L2 vertebrae, termed the conus medullaris. Distal to the conus medullaris, lumbar and sacral spinal nerves arrange themselves in a manner that resembles a horses tail, hence this arrangement of nerves is known as the cauda equina.
Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is the disorder when the cauda equina is compressed in the lumbar spinal canal. It is a rare condition and estimated to be the underlying disorder in fewer than 1 in 2000 patients with back pain. There are multiple causes for this condition. The most
common reasons for this condition are as follows in order of highest to lowest
possible cause:
Cauda equina syndrome is considered to be a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical decompression.
- Disc pathology
- Tumor
- Infection
- Stenosis
- Hematoma
- Inflammatory disease
- Vascular disorders
Cauda equina syndrome is considered to be a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical decompression.
Signs and symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms are listed below. Although this is a lumbar spine dysfunction, it should be noted that the majority of the signs and symptoms appear in the pelvic area.
- Saddle anesthesia
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Lower extremity weakness
- Low back pain
- Decreased rectal tone
- Decreased reflexes (Patellar, Achilles, Cremasteric)
- Sexual dysfunction
Physical therapy implications
REFER
Cauda equina syndrome is considered to be a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical decompression
Cauda equina syndrome is considered to be a medical emergency and requires immediate surgical decompression
references
Dutton M. Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 2 ed: McGraw-Hill, Medical Publishing Division; 2008.
Fraser S, Roberts L, Murphy E. Cauda equina syndrome: a literature review of its definition and clinical presentation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90(11):1964-1968.
Lombara A, Granado MJ. Cauda Equina Syndrome. In: Richman S, ed. Ipswich, Massachusetts: EBSCO Publishing; 2011:6p.
Images:
http://www.umm.edu/imagepages/19504.htm
http://health.rush.edu/HealthInformation/graphics/images/en/19469.jpg
Fraser S, Roberts L, Murphy E. Cauda equina syndrome: a literature review of its definition and clinical presentation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90(11):1964-1968.
Lombara A, Granado MJ. Cauda Equina Syndrome. In: Richman S, ed. Ipswich, Massachusetts: EBSCO Publishing; 2011:6p.
Images:
http://www.umm.edu/imagepages/19504.htm
http://health.rush.edu/HealthInformation/graphics/images/en/19469.jpg