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Cauda equina syndrome without mechanical cauda compression: a report of 2 cases

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Study design

Case report.

Objective

To highlight the concept of Cauda Equina Syndrome without cauda compression.

Summary of background data

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare disorder. CES occurs usually due to direct physical compression of the cauda nerve roots, most often from the extruded nucleus pulposus; other rare causes reported in the literature include compression by tumour, infection, fracture, penetrating trauma, chiropractic manipulation, free epidural fat graft, postoperative haematoma, ankylosing spondylitis, metastatic invasion, schwnnoma, Paget’s disease and laminar hook compression. All these causes of CES physically compress the cauda. Chemical irritation of the root can cause radicular pain but this has not been noted to cause CES before. We present two cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome was brought on by non-physical compression of the cauda. Annular tears can induce CES by chemical irritation of the cauda by inflammatory mediators.

Conclusion

The idea of presenting this paper is to highlight that cauda equina syndrome can be caused by non-mechanical cauda compression; in our cases it was due to chemical irritation and caudal epidural steroid injection has produced satisfactory outcome. Awareness of non-physical cauda equina syndrome is essential to identify and to initiate appropriate treatment, and the outcome seems to be satisfactory.

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No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to Sivaraman Subramanian.

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Subramanian, S., Chandran, P., Sundaram, R. et al. Cauda equina syndrome without mechanical cauda compression: a report of 2 cases. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 18, 303–306 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-008-0304-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-008-0304-y

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