Cauda Equina Syndromes Research Articles

Neurological Analysis Based on the Terminal End of the Spinal Cord and the Narrowest Level of Injured Spine in Thoracolumbar Spinal Injuries.

This study aimed to clarify neurological differences among the epiconus, conus medullaris, and cauda equina syndromes. Eighty-seven patients who underwent surgery for acute thoracolumbar spinal injuries were assessed. We defined the epiconus as the region from the terminal end of the spinal cord to the proximal 1.0 to 2.25 vertebral bodies, the conus medullaris as the region proximal to < 1.0 vertebral bodies, and the cauda equina as the distal part of the nerve roots originating from the spinal cord. On the basis of the distance from the terminal end of the spinal cord to the narrowest level of the spinal canal, the narrowest levels were ordered as follows: the epiconus followed by the conus medullaris and cauda equina. The narrowest levels were the epiconus in 22 patients, conus medullaris in 37 patients, and cauda equina in 25 patients. On admission, significantly more patients had a narrowed epiconus of Frankel grades A-C than a narrowed cauda equina. At the final follow-up, there were no significant differences in neurological recovery among those with epiconus, conus medullaris, or cauda equina syndrome. Anatomically classifying the narrowest lesion is useful for clarifying the differences and similarities among these three syndromes.

Spinal canal invasion as a predictor of neurological deficit in traumatic vertebral burst fractures

This study correlated the extent of spinal canal compression from retropulsed traumatic burst cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine fractures with the severity of neurological dysfunction. One hundred and sixty-nine patients with cervical, thoracic, or lumbar sub-axial traumatic burst fractures were seen in an emergency department from 2019 to 2021; 79.3% were men, averaging 37 years of age. The lumbar spine was most frequently involved (42%), followed by the thoracic (36.1%) and cervical (21.9%) levels. The extent of spinal canal compression was quantitated utilizing Hashimoto's method, and correlated with patients' extent of neurological injury based on their American Spinal Injury Association scores. There was a positive correlation between the extent of cervical and thoracic spinal cord compression due to retro pulsed burst fragments and the severity of the patients' neurological deficits, but this was not true for the lumbar spine. The extent of spinal cord compression from retropulsed cervical and thoracic traumatic burst fractures was readily correlated with the severity of patients' neurological dysfunction. However, there was no such correlation between the extent of cauda equina compression from retropulsed lumbar burst fractures and the severity of their cauda equina syndromes.

Prediction of lower extremity strength by nerve conduction study in cauda equina syndrome.

An electrodiagnostic test is more useful than the lower extremity isometric strength test for objectively determining the degree of nerve damage and prognosis in cauda equina syndromes (CES). This study evaluated the correlation between nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters and the lower extremity isometric strength and manual muscle test (MMT) grades.The isometric strengths of knee extension (KE), ankle dorsiflexion (ADF), and ankle plantarflexion (APF) were measured. NCS parameters, MMT, and isometric strength of femoral, peroneal, and tibial nerves were evaluated, including their correlations with each other. A regression equation between the isometric strength and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitudes was derived and cutoff values were used to confirm boundary values of strength and amplitude between the MMT grades.KE isometric strength and femoral nerve CMAP amplitude were significantly correlated (r = 0.738, P < .001). ADF isometric strength and peroneal nerve CMAP amplitude were significantly correlated (tibialis anterior, r = 0.707, P < .001). KE (r = 0.713, P < .001), ADF (r = 0.744, P < .001), and APF (r = 0.698, P < .001) isometric strengths were correlated with the MMT grades. For the regression curve, the second-order curve was more reasonable than the first-order curve. Cutoff femoral nerve CMAP amplitude and isometric strength cutoff values were ≥2.05 mV and 17.3, respectively, for MMT grades 2 to 3 and 2.78 ± 1.08 and 20.8 ± 9.33, respectively, for grade 3.The isometric strengths of the KE, ADF, and APF and the CMAP amplitude of the electrophysiologic parameters were correlated in CES patients and a significant correlation with MMT grade was also identified. Accordingly, it is possible to identify the precise neurological condition, objectively evaluate the degree of paralysis and disability, and determine the quantitative muscle strength from MMT in order to establish an appropriate rehabilitation treatment plan.

Using Clinical Vignettes and a Modified Expert Delphi Panel to Determine Parameters for Identifying Non-Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Health Administrative and Electronic Medical Record Databases

ObjectiveTo obtain expert consensus on the parameters and etiologic conditions required to retrospectively identify cases of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) in health administrative and electronic medical record (EMR) databases based on the rating of clinical vignettes. DesignA modified Delphi process included 2 survey rounds and 1 remote consensus panel. The surveys required the rating of clinical vignettes, developed after chart reviews and expert consultation. Experts who participated in survey rounds were invited to participate in the Delphi Consensus Panel. SettingAn international collaboration using an online meeting platform. ParticipantsThirty-one expert physicians and/or clinical researchers in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI). Main Outcome Measure(s)Agreement on clinical vignettes as NTSCI. Parameters to classify cases of NTSCI in health administrative and EMR databases. ResultsIn health administrative and EMR databases, cauda equina syndromes should be considered SCI and classified as a NTSCI or TSCI based on the mechanism of injury. A traumatic event needs to be listed for injury to be considered TSCI. To be classified as NTSCI, neurologic sufficient impairments (motor, sensory, bowel, and bladder) are required, in addition to an etiology. It is possible to have both a NTSCI and a TSCI, as well as a recovered NTSCI. If information is unavailable or missing in health administrative and EMR databases, the case may be listed as “unclassifiable” depending on the purpose of the research study. ConclusionThe Delphi panel provided guidelines to appropriately classify cases of NTSCI in health administrative and EMR databases.

Postoperative imaging of the musculoskeletal system- spine

Die Bildgebung der postoperativen Wirbelsäule hat im Wesentlichen zwei Aufgaben: Sie dient der Kontrolle des operativen Erfolgs und der Identifikation von Komplikationen. Dafür stehen die konventionelle Röntgenaufnahme, Computertomographie (CT), Myelographie und Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) zur Verfügung. Unter Berücksichtigung der präoperativen Situation, der durchgeführten Operation und der postoperativen Beschwerdekonstellation ist es Aufgabe der Radiologinnen und Radiologen, die passende Modalität für eine suffiziente Diagnostik zu wählen. Insbesondere der Zustand nach Implantation von Fremdmaterial bedeutet eine technische Herausforderung im Rahmen der Bildakquisition. In der Befundung sehen sich die Radiologinnen und Radiologen mit der Aufgabe konfrontiert, zwischen natürlichen, zu erwartenden postoperativen Veränderungen und relevanten Komplikationen zu differenzieren. Ein reger Austausch mit Patientinnen und Patienten und zuweisenden Klinikerinnen und Klinikern ist dabei unerlässlich. Insbesondere klinische Hinweise auf einen Infekt, neue oder deutliche progrediente neurologische Ausfallserscheinungen und das Konus-Kauda-Syndrom erfordern eine zeitnahe Diagnosestellung, um eine rasche Therapieeinleitung zu gewährleisten.

Review/Perspective: Operations for Cauda Equina Syndromes - "The Sooner the Better".

Background: Although most studies recommended that early surgery for cauda equina syndromes (CES) be performed within <48 h., the largest and most comprehensive Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database (NISC) series, involving over 25,000 CES patients recommended that time be shortened to 0–<24 h. In short, CES surgery performed “the sooner the better,” was best.Methods: The 2 major variants of CES include; incomplete/partial ICES, and those with urinary retention/bowel incontinence (RCES). Those with ICES often exhibit varying combinations of motor weakness, sensory loss (i.e. including perineal numbness), and urinary dysfunction, while RCES patients typically exhibit more severe paraparesis, sensory loss including saddle anesthesia, and urinary/bowel incontinence. The pathology responsible for ICES/RCES syndromes may include; acute disc herniations/stenosis, trauma (i.e. including iatrogenic/ surgical hematomas etc.), infections, abscesses, and other pathology. Surgery for either ICES/RCES may include decompressions to multilevel laminectomies/fusions.Results: Following early surgery, most studies showed that ICES and RCES patients exhibited improvement in motor weakness and sensory loss. However, recovery of sphincter function was more variable, being poorer for RCES patients with preoperative urinary retention/bowel incontinence.Conclusions: Although early CES surgery was defined in most studies as <48 h., two large NISC series involving over 25, 000 CES patients showed that CES surgery performed within 0 -< 24 h resulted in the best outcomes.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome Days After A Single Epidural Steroid Injection

Background: Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are commonly used in treatment of chronic lower back pain. Conus medullaris and cauda equina syndromes are rare complications of ESI. However, these typically occur after multiple injections within a few minutes to hours. Some reported cases are also transient, with patients completely regaining neurological function. We discuss a unique case of a patient developing conus medullaris syndrome over 24 hours after a single epidural steroid injection without resolution of symptoms.

Litigations following spinal neurosurgery in France: "out-of-court system," therapeutic hazard, and welfare state.

Spinal surgeries carry risks of malpractice litigation due to the random nature of their functional results, which may not meet patient expectations, and the hazards associated with these complex procedures. Claims are frequent and costly. In France, since 2002, a new law, the Patients' Rights Law of March 4, 2002, has created an alternative, out-of-court scheme, which established a simplified, rapid, free-of-charge procedure (Commission for Conciliation and Compensation [CCI]). Moreover, this law has optimized the compensation provided to patients for therapeutic hazards by use of a national solidarity fund. The authors analyzed the consequences of this alternative route in the case of claims against private neurosurgeons in France. From the data bank of the insurer Mutuelle d'Assurances du Corps de Santé Français (MACSF), the main insurance company for private neurosurgeons in France, the authors retrospectively analyzed 193 files covering the period 2015-2019. These computerized files comprised the anonymized medical records of the patients, the reports of the independent experts, and the final judgments of the CCI and the entities supporting the compensation, if any. During the 5-year study period (2015-2019), the insurance company recorded 494 complaints involving private neurosurgeons for spinal surgery procedures, of which 126 (25.5%) were in civil court, 123 (24.9%) were under amicable procedure, and 245 (49.6%) were in the out-of-court scheme administered by the CCI. Out of these 245 cases, only 193 were closed due to delays. The conclusions of the commission were rejection/incompetence decisions in 47.2% of the cases, therapeutic hazards in 21.2%, nosocomial infections in 17.6%, and practitioner fault in 13.5%. National solidarity compensated for 48 complaints (24.8%). The final decision of the CCI is not always consistent with the conclusions of the experts mandated by it, illustrating the difficulty in defining the concept of hazards. The authors found that the therapeutic hazards retained and compensated by the national solidarity included decompensated spondylotic myelopathies (15% of the 40 cases) and cauda equina syndromes (30%). As allowed by law, 11.5% of the patients who were not satisfied triggered a classical procedure in a court. In the French out-of-court system, trial decisions resulting in rulings of proven medical malpractice are rare, but patients can start a new procedure in the classical courts. The therapeutic hazard remains a subtle definition, which may be problematic and require further discussion between experts and magistrates. In spite of the imperfections, this out-of-court system proposes a major evolution to move patients and medical providers from legal battles to reconciliations.

Does surgical decompression alleviate neglected cauda equina syndromes attributed to lumbar disc herniation and/or degenerative canal stenosis?

Background: Most studies recommend urgent decompression (e.g., within 48–72 h) of the symptomatic onset of a cauda equina syndrome. As patients in our area typically underwent >3 months delayed surgery for cauda equina syndromes due to disc disease/stenosis, we asked whether surgery was still worthwhile.Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 12 patients (2012–2018) who underwent delayed surgical decompression for cauda equina syndromes secondary to lumbar disc herniations and/or degenerative lumbar canal stenosis.Results: After a mean postoperative duration of 8.22 months, nine patients experienced the complete restoration of bladder status; two patients required intermittent self-catheterization, while one patient had some residual symptoms (e.g., urgency but able to void with some difficulty).Conclusion: For 12 patients who originally presented with cauda equina syndrome with complete incontinence, nine exhibited delayed full recovery of bladder function with average of 8.22 months postoperatively. We would, therefore, advise that delayed surgical decompression be offered to these patients, irrespective of the preoperative duration of cauda equina syndromes with complete incontinence.

Use of the ice water test as an early predictor of recovery of erectile function in patients with spinal cord injury.

Retrospective, cross-sectional. To determine the capacity of the ice water test (IWT) to predict erectile function during the early phase of spinal cord injury (SCI). France. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Data from patients with SCI were included if they presented with neurogenic shock causing erectile dysfunction AND detrusor underactivity, and had undergone the following evaluations during the first 6 months post SCI (E1), and again at least 2 years later (E2): a complete neurological examination, urodynamic evaluation with the IWT, and evaluation by the Erection Hardness Score (EHS, from 0 to 4). Patients with cauda equina syndromes were excluded. Data from 62 patients with SCI were included, 37 with a positive IWT and 25 with a negative IWT. E1 was performed at 3.2 months ± 1.9, and E2 at 2.0 years ± 2.9 post SCI. At E2, 95% of patients with an initial positive IWT had reliable erections (EHS 3 or 4), compared with 0% of patients with a negative IWT. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity was found in 89% of patients with a positive IWT compared with 8% with a negative IWT. The IWT had a good sensitivity and negative predictive value: 100% for erectile function, and respectively 94 and 92% for bladder function. The IWT is a reliable and predictive test of erectile potential in patients with sacral and suprasacral SCI.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in intervertebral disc herniation: Comparison of canal compromise and canal size in patients with and without cauda equina syndrome.

Background: Surgical decompressions are typically warranted in patients with magnetic resonance (MR) and clinical evidence of cauda equina syndromes (CESs). However, it is still unclear what MR findings best correlate with such CES. Here, we compared MR-documented canal size and level/extent of compromise in 52 patients with and 56 others without CES attributed to lumbar disc herniation.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 52 patients with and 56 patients without CES attributed to MR- documented lumbar disc herniations (IDHs). The anteroposterior diameters of the spinal canal and the levels of maximal compression were documented and compared utilizing MR scans from both groups.Results: The 52 patients with CES had more extensive narrowing of the canal diameters at the L4-L5 and L5- S1 levels and higher mean canal compression ratios versus 56 patients without CES. The mean percentage of compression in the CES group at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels (70% and 67.5%, respectively) was less versus L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels (89.7% and 81.8%, respectively).Conclusion: The 52 patients with CES due to IDH had greater canal compromise versus 56 without CES. Further, the percentage of canal compromise was less at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels compared to other levels in patients with CES.

Incomplete Cord Syndromes: Clinical and Imaging Review.

The ability to localize the three spinal tracts (corticospinal tract, spinothalamic tract, and dorsal [posterior] columns) involved in incomplete spinal cord syndromes at cross-sectional imaging and knowledge of the classic clinical manifestations of the various syndromes enable optimized imaging evaluation and provide clinicians with information that aids in diagnosis and treatment. The requisite knowledge for localizing these tracts is outlined. The authors review the spinal cord anatomy, blood supply, and course of these tracts and describe the various associated syndromes: specifically, dorsal cord, ventral cord, central cord, Brown-Séquard, conus medullaris, and cauda equina syndromes. In addition, they describe the anatomic basis for the clinical manifestation of each syndrome and the relevant imaging features of the classic causes of these entities. Knowledge of the anatomy and clinical findings of the spinal cord is essential for examining and treating patients with cord abnormalities. ©RSNA, 2018.

The importance of the bulbocavernosus reflex.

The BCR consists of the contraction of the bulbocavernosus muscle in response to squeezing the glans penis or clitoris, and is mediated through the pudendal nerve. In case of a complete lesion, the presence of BCR is indicative of intact S2-S4 spinal reflex arcs and loss of supraspinal inhibition, determining an upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion, its absence a lower motor neuron (LMN) lesion. The BCR further helps distinguish conus medullaris from cauda equina syndromes. Sensory or motor function in the most caudal sacral segments, not BCR, defines the sacral sparing as part of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Sphincter dysfunctions are addressed in the International Standards for the Assessment of Autonomic Function after SCI (ISAFSCI). However, the ISAFSCI does not include the BCR, and is not part of the ISNCSCI. Yet, determination of the type of lesion, UMN or LMN, is very useful for the clinicians, and has important prognostic and therapeutic implications for bowel, bladder, and sexual function: UMN lesions are associated with detrusor and rectum hyperactivity, reflex erection and ejaculation, while the opposite is seen in patients with LMN lesions. BCR is complementary to the voluntary contraction of the external anal sphincter and should be added to ISNCSCI and ISAFSCI classifications, which should ultimately benefit patient care and research activities.

Ejaculation and sperm characteristics in men with cauda equina and conus medullaris syndromes

Retrospective. The objective of the study was to describe the type of ejaculation in patients with cauda equina (CE) and conus medullaris (CM) lesions, and to analyse sperm quality. France. One hundred sixty-six patients with CE and CM lesions were included. Diagnosis was based on clinical (no motor responses, sensation or sacral reflexes) and urodynamic assessments (no detrusor activity). Vibromassage (VM) was used to induce ejaculation according to the recommendations for patients with spinal cord injury. If ejaculation did not occur, oral midodrine was administered in progressive doses. Retrograde ejaculation was systematically sought. Sperm parameters were analysed according to World Health Organisation recommendations (2010). Eighty-nine patients were included. Eleven ejaculated on the first VM trial (four anterograde (AE), six retrograde (RE) and one antero-retrograde (ARE)). Five patients continued trials of VM alone, two of whom ejaculated following a mean 1.9 trials (one RE, one ARE). Twenty-six patients underwent trials of VM+ midodrine, 18 of whom ejaculated following a mean 4.4 trials with a mean dose of 22.5 g of midodrine (2 AE, 13 RE and 5 ARE). Fifty-three ejaculates from 26 patients were analysed. Sperm concentration was low in 90.6% of samples; total necrospermia was found in 65% and asthenospermia in 95% of samples. Ejaculation is difficult to induce using VM in patients with CE and CM lesions, and requires high doses of midodrine. Sperm counts were generally low, and asthenospermia and necrospermia were found in the majority of specimens. Cryopreservation of sperm should be systematic in case of medically assisted procreation.

Functional variability of sacral roots in bladder control.

Sacral roots are involved in sensory, autonomic, and motor innervation of the lower limbs and perineum. Theoretically, it can be assumed that the S-3 root level innervates the bladder; however, clinical practice shows that this distribution can vary. Few researchers have studied this variability. The authors conducted a retrospective study involving 40 patients who underwent surgery requiring an electrophysiological exploration of the sacral roots. They performed stimulations for the monitoring of muscular (3 Hz, 1 V) and bladder responses under cystomanometry (30 Hz, 10 V). Although the S-3 roots were involved in bladder innervation in all cases, they were exclusively involved (i.e., the only nerve roots involved) in only 8 of 40 cases. In the remaining 32 cases, other sacral nerve roots were involved. The most common association was S-3+S-4 (12 cases), followed by S-2+S-3 (6 cases), S-2+S-3+S-4 (5 cases), and S-3+S-4+S-5 (2 cases). Stimulation of S-2 could sometimes induce bladder contraction (15 cases, 40%); however, the amplitude was often low. S-4 nerve roots were involved in 24 of 40 cases (60%) in the bladder motor function, whereas S-5 roots were only involved 7 times (17%). Occasionally, we noticed a horizontal asymmetry in the response, with a predominant response from the right side in 6 of 7 cases, always with a major S-3 response. This is the first study showing a significant horizontal and vertical variability in the functional distribution of sacral roots in bladder innervation. These results show the variability of cauda equina syndromes and their forensic implications. These data should help with the monitoring of sacral roots and the performance of several tasks during surgery, including neurostimulation and neuromodulation.

Sub arachnoid block related complications - 5 years experiences

Sub Arachnoid Block (SAB) is a frequently used popular anaesthetic technique but it is not without complications. The objectives of this retrospective descriptive study was to report and evaluate the complications of SAB in Khulna city,which occurred in a period of 5 years from January 2004 to December 2008. It was a multicentre study. Related data from anesthetic procedure records were collected for above mentioned period. Total 10829 patients were operated under SAB in those centres during the study period. Majority of patients were female (72.22%), mean age was 39 ± 9.78 years, age groups between 20 to 39 years were 72.22%, ASA physical status between I and II were 87.01%. Complications of SAB were mild hypotension 3090(28.53%), severe hypotension 83(0.76%), cardiac arrest 20(0.18%), postdural puncture headache (PDPH) 1825(16.85%), meningism 10(0.09%), cuada equina syndrome 4(0.036) and death 3(0.027%). Most common complications were simple hypotension and PDPH. Serious adverse events such as severe hypotension, cardiac arrest, cauda equina syndromes and death were were more than other western countries and may be due to shortage of adequate skilled anaesthesiologist. A prospective study with a good number of qualified anaesthesiologists can be taken in hand on ward for further evaluations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbsa.v23i2.18177 Journal of BSA, 2009; 23(2): 67-71

Results of fusion and instrumentation of thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures in children: a prospective ten-year study

Researches on the results of surgical treatment of thoracolumbar spine fractures are infrequent. The aim of this study was to determine midterm outcomes of surgical treatment of these fractures in a prospective survey. A case series study on pediatric patients with the diagnosis of thoracic and/or lumbar vertebral fractures was conducted over a ten-year period. Surgically treated patients were evaluated in the follow-up period, based on back pain, independent function, neurological status, and radiographic indices. There were 102 pediatric individuals, 61 boys and 41 girls, aged 3-17 years (mean 12 years of age) with thoracic and/or lumbar spinal fractures. Motor vehicle accident was the most common mechanism of injury (45.0 %). L1 was the most frequent level of fractured vertebra (24.4 %), and pelvic fracture was the most common associated orthopedic injury (21.5 %). Totally, 20 patients underwent surgery, but only fifteen (14 boys and one girl) participated in follow-up (mean 49 months; range 12-81 months). Posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation was accomplished in 12 cases. Three patients were operated by anterior approach and fusion followed by posterior fusion and instrumentation because of delay in diagnosis. There were no major perioperative complications. Two cauda equina syndromes and two incomplete spinal cord injuries improved back to normal. Five cases (33.3 %) reported occasional back pain, and all patients were functionally independent. Radiographic indices improved significantly. Spinal fusion and instrumentation in pediatric patients with unstable thoracolumbar vertebral fractures with or without spinal cord injuries have favorable radiographic and functional outcomes.

The diagnosis and management of synovial cysts: Efficacy of surgery versus cyst aspiration

Background:The surgical management of lumbar synovial cysts that have extruded into the spinal canal remains controversial (e.g. decompression with/without fusion).Methods:The neurological presentation, anatomy, pathophysiology, and surgical challenges posed by synovial cysts in the lumbar spine are well known. Neurological complaints typically include unilateral or, more rarely, bilateral radicular complaints, and/or cauda equina syndromes. Anatomically, synovial cysts constitute cystic dilatations of synovial sheaths that directly extrude from facet joints into the spinal canal. Pathophysiologically, these cysts reflect disruption of the facet joints often with accompanying instability, and potentially compromise both the cephalad and caudad nerve roots.Results:Aspiration of lumbar synovial cysts, which are typically gelatinous and non-aspirable, and typically performed by “pain specialists” (e.g. pain management, rehabilitation, radiologists, others) utilizing fluoroscopy or CT-guided aspiration, is associated with 50–100% failure rates. Surgical decompression with/without fusion (as the issue regarding fusion remains unsettled) results in the resolution of back and radicular pain in 91.6–92.5% and 91.1–91.9% of cases, respectively.Conclusions:After a thorough review of the literature, it appears that the treatment with the best outcome for patients with synovial cysts is cyst removal utilizing surgical decompression; the need for attendant fusion remains unsettled. The use of an alternative treatment, percutaneous aspiration of cysts, appears to have a much higher recurrence and failure rate, but may be followed by surgery if warranted.

An atypical ballistic traumatic cauda equina syndrome with a positive evolution. Focus on prognostic factors

IntroductionTraumatic cauda equina syndromes due to projectile wounds often have a poor prognosis. We report on an unusual ballistic cauda equina traumatism with a good functional outcome. Clinical caseA 44-year-old man was admitted to emergency room for an incomplete cauda equina syndrome after trying to kill himself by means of a pneumatic nail gun. The nail had gone right through the third lumbar vertebra. Because of the stability of the fracture, orthopaedic surgery was not indicated. Neurological recovery was progressive. At 6 months, there was still a partial L5–S1 motor deficit on the left side but the patient could walk without crutches, and within an unlimited walking distance. DiscussionInitial imaging displayed a projectile trajectory focused on the spinal canal on level L3, which could have been considered as bad prognosis. The positive analytic and functional outcome correlates with the limited neurological tissue damage, probably explained by the ballistic properties of the projectile. ConclusionApart from the influence of a possible surgical act, the neurological and functional prognosis of a traumatic cauda equina syndrome caused by a projectile also depends on its physical characteristics.

Geographic variation in lumbar fusion for degenerative disorders: 1990 to 2000

Background context Past studies have shown that proportion of lumbar fusion surgery to all forms of lumbar surgery is variable among geographic regions. At present, no studies have investigated whether fusion outcome is associated with geographic region. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the postoperative complication rate, postoperative mortality rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), hospital routine discharge rate, and total charges associated with surgical care across the geographic regions. Study design/setting Retrospective cohort study using national sample administrative data. Patient sample The study included 23,143 patients who underwent lumbar spine fusion surgery with a principal diagnosis of lumbar spine disease related to degeneration. Outcome measures Functional measures included complication rate, mortality rate, and hospital LOS; routine discharge; and total charges for care. Methods Selected variables from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database were used for comparison across the geographic regions of the South, Midwest, Northeast, and West. Bivariate statistical analyses compared postoperative complication rates, mortality rates, hospital LOS, routine discharge rate, and total charges associated with surgical care across the geographic regions. Results Significant differences in routine discharge (p<.001), cauda equina complications (p=.001), LOS (p<.001), and inflation-adjusted charges (p<.001) were found for the South and the West (demonstrated lower routine discharges and higher rates of complications involving cauda equina syndromes) and the Northeast and the Midwest (involved higher LOS than the South and the West but lower reported charges after adjustments for inflation). Conclusions The findings suggest that surgical fusion outcome is associated with regional variations. It is likely that patient selection and physician preferences are associated with these findings. Similar to variations in proportion of lumbar fusion surgery among geographic regions, outcomes for surgical fusions also vary across regions.