Abstract
Conus medullaris syndrome is a complex disease entity that is difficult to define because of its location between the spinal cord and nerve roots. The presenting symptoms are not specific and are often missed by primary doctors, making diagnosis challenging. It is even more difficult because the time since onset plays a major role in the outcome. A 47-year-old female displayed neglected conus medullary syndrome due to a compression fracture of L1 that presented as bladder and defecating dysfunctions and leg pain due to lumbar canal stenosis of L4-L5. A decompression surgical procedure involving total laminectomy at the L1 level, posterior stabilization from T11 to L3, and laminotomy, flavectomy, and discectomy at L4 and L5 were performed in this patient. The patient experienced improved motor function after the operation. Her hypoesthesia also improved. However, her bladder and defecating problem were not resolved. Non-full function restoration likely occurred because of the patient’s neglected conus medullaris. However, her function still improved; therefore, surgery was a better option.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Surgery |
Subtitle of host publication | Volume 1: (22 Volume Set) |
Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
Pages | 5585-5592 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Volume | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781536183887 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781536183290 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2020 |
Keywords
- conus medullaris syndrome
- lumbar canal stenosis
- spinal cord injury