J Korean Pain Soc.  1995 Nov;8(2):390-393.

Cauda Equina Syndrome and Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy after Spinal Anesthesia: A case report

• Yoon KB
• Lee YB
• Kim SY
• Lee JW

Abstract

Although spinal anesthesia has long been considered a safe technique, it is not without risk or side effect. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious complication of spinal anesthesia. We have experience a case of cauda equina syndrome after spinal anesthesia. A twenty year old healthy male patient complained of pain, numbness, tingling sensation and motor weakness on his right lower extremity 8 hours after subarachnoid blockade. On the following day, the patient was noted to have a right Ll to S2 radiculopathy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging results were unremarkable. The patient sprained his ankle while trying to move down from the bed, so short leg splint was applied. Then he had additional right common peroneal nerve injury from the splint. His neurologic symptoms improved gradually thereafter, and three months postoperatively his electromyogram revealed improving stage from right common peroneal nerve palsy.

Keyword

Spinal anesthesia; Cauda equina syndrome; Common peroneal nerve palsy

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Spinal*
Ankle
Cauda Equina*
Humans
Hypesthesia
Leg
Lower Extremity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Neurologic Manifestations
Paralysis*
Peroneal Nerve*
Polyradiculopathy*
Radiculopathy
Sensation
Splints
Sprains and Strains