[Diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome secondary to lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of cauda equina syndrome.

METHODS

Thirty-four cases of cauda equina syndrome from 1993 to 2005 were analysed retrospectively. Its clinical representation, pathology character and clinical outcome were observed.

RESULTS

At follow-ups of 3 to 102 months after the treatment (averagely 43 months), the muscle strength and function of the constrictor began to resume to different degrees. Muscle strength resumed gradually one week after the operation, resumed faster 3 months after the operation, and resumed completely more one year later. Function of the constrictor began to resume 3 days after the operation, and resumed mostly six months or so after the operation. Sense resumed slowly.

CONCLUSION

Clinical outcome of cauda equina syndrome is good. Resumption after the operation obviously correlates to the time of operation. One week after the operation, the kinetic function resumes best, function of the constrictor resumes well and the sense function of the saddle area resumes not very well.