Cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar disc prolapse

Abstract

Judging from the reported literature cauda equina compression secondary to lumbar disc prolapse is a rare entity. Not more than hundred such cases appear to have been reported since 1929 when Dandy published two cases of progressive paraplegia following trivial trauma who at operation were found to have herniated disc. Voris (1945), Ver Brugghen (1945), Peyton and simmons (1947), O’Connell (1951), Eyre-Brook (1952), Ford (1954), Fairburn and stewart (1955), Jennett (1956), Shephard (1959), Wilson (1962), Brown & Pont (1963), Armstrong (1965) and Scott (1965) have all referred to this complication. In our experience this complication is more frequent in proportion to the number of disc prolapse cases that we see. The frequency and gravity of this condition is not recognized generally and surgery is usually denied till too late, thereby precluding the chances of recovery. The purpose of this communication is to highlight the clinical picture of this condition and to emphasize the risk of permanent disability if the lesion is not recognized and treated as a surgical emergency.