Abstract
Study design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study with three month and one year follow up.
Objective: To determine what factors influence standard spine and urinary outcome measures at 3 months in cauda equine syndrome with particular attention being given to timing of onset of symptoms and timing of surgery.
Subjects: There were 31 cases submitted from the membership of BASS who underwent urgent surgery for cauda equina syndrome. Three month follow up was achieved in 25 (80%).
Outcome measures: Oswestry disability index (ODI), Visual analogue score for leg pain, Visual analogue score for back pain and incontinence questionnaire using a short form MRC outcome tool.
Results: The average age was 43 years. Ten patients had surgery within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the remainder had more than 48 hours to surgery. Most patients received prompt attention after reaching secondary care with only four waiting more than 24 hours for surgery after scanning. There was no difference in ODI. VAS leg and back were better in the less than 48 hours group. Urinary symptoms and satisfaction did not appear to be influenced by surgery within 48 hours.
Conclusion: The duration of symptoms prior to surgery does not appear to influence the short-term outcome as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index and specific questions related to satisfaction with urinary outcome measures.
These abstracts were prepared by Mr. Brian J C Freeman FRCS (Tr & Orth). Correspondence should be addressed to him at The Centre for Spinal Studies and Surgery, University Hospital, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH.
