Lumbar disc herniation with cauda equina syndrom

Objective:To explore the mechanism,treatment and prognosis of lumbar disc herniation with cauda equina syndrom. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of 7 patients surgically treated for lumbar disc herniation who initially sought treatment for cauda equina syndrome.Results:In 4 patients,diagnosis was made and surgery performed within 48 hours of the cauda equina syndrome onset,including 3 patients(75%) who underwent surgery within 24 hours.In 3 patients,surgery was performed more than 48 hours after the onset of cauda equina syndrome,theis delay of 25 days,8 days and 5 days.Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 6 years(mean,3.5years).Postoperatively,four patients were normal,one patient had chronic pain and numbness,and 2 patients had persistent incontinenceand weakness.All the patients were ambulatory.Conclusion:The data strongly support the management of cauda equina syndrome from lumbar disc herniation as a diagnostic and surgical emergency.