Recovery with posterior decompression and dural suturing in a patient with cauda equina syndrome caused by lamina entrapment in an unstable burst fracture: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: This report investigates Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), a critical neurological condition from lumbar and sacral nerve root compression that arises from trauma, such as unstable burst fractures leading to interlaminar entrapment. This study highlights the effective management and recovery of a young woman with CES following a traumatic fall, offering new insights into the condition's treatment and recovery process.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female experienced severe lower back pain, bilateral lower limb weakness, saddle anesthesia, and bladder dysfunction after a 3-m fall. The neurological assessment showed reduced sensation and motor function in the lower extremities. Diagnostic imaging revealed an unstable L2 burst fracture with cauda equina entrapment. She underwent emergency posterior decompression and dural repair, followed by a tailored rehabilitation program, which is a novel aspect of this study.

DISCUSSION: This report underscores the critical need for immediate surgical intervention in CES to avert lasting neurological damage. The case represents the significance of early decompression for improving prognosis and explores the complexities of managing CES with unstable spinal fractures and dural tears. It demonstrates the challenges in surgical intervention and postoperative rehabilitation, offering a new perspective on the integrative approach to treatment.

CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies the imperative CES management post-spinal trauma. Despite severe initial deficits, an innovative multidisciplinary approach involving surgery and early rehabilitation resulted in remarkable functional recovery. This study contributes to a new understanding of CES management in acute trauma settings and calls for further research to advance treatment protocols and enhance predictive outcomes.