Cauda equina syndrome without motor dysfunction following lumbar spinal stenosis surgery: A case report

Rationale: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) refers to a group of symptoms that occur when the nerves in the cauda equina become compressed or damaged. The most common etiology of CES is lumbar intervertebral disc herniation, but CES following lumbar spinal surgery is rare, especially without motor dysfunction. Herein, we illustrate a case of CES that developed as a complication of spinal surgery and to deduce its possible underlying cause. Patient concerns: A 46-year-old man experienced lumbago, bilateral shank pain, and numbness with neurogenic claudication for 3 years due to degenerative lumbar disc herniation and spinal cord stenosis. After a thorough examination to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis, the patient underwent bilateral decompression and pedicle screw system internal fixation with bone graft. Postoperatively, the patient showed regained strength in his bilateral shanks, and he did not complain of lumbago and shank pain, but CES occurred, which manifested as underpants-type numbness in the perineum without bladder, anal, and motor dysfunction. Diagnoses: CES as a postoperative complication of lumbar stenosis. Interventions: The patient underwent bilateral laminectomies, partial facetectomies, and pedicle screw system internal fixation and fusion with bone graft. Postoperatively, the patient performed adequate rehabilitation exercises and was expected to recover spontaneously. Outcomes: The symptoms of pain and claudication resolved after 3 weeks in the ho...
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Tags: Research Article: Clinical Case Report Source Type: research