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Lumbar disc disease - extrusion

Case contributed by Eric F Greif
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute right leg and back pain with saddle anesthesia and poor rectal tone.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

At the level of L5-S1 there is approximately 1.5 x 1.2 cm sized disc extrusion in the right paracentral region causing mass-effect and displacement of the cauda equina to the left . There is compression of the right S1 nerve. Left neural foramina is patent. 

Case Discussion

The right paracentral disc extrusion and compression of the cauda equina (especially on the right) follows the clinical scenario. The diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome was made, and emergent surgery was performed.

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