Delayed post-traumatic cauda equina compression syndrome.

Acute lumbosacral fracture-dislocation is an unusual injury. A delayed cauda equina injury accompanying the fracture-dislocation is seldom encountered. We report a cauda equina lesion complicating an acute lumbosacral fracture-dislocation 3 weeks postinjury. The patient had been trapped in a knee-elbow position under an overturned vehicle. Symptoms were relieved following posterior decompression and fusion from L5 to S1.