Cauda Equina Syndrome Following Traumatic Injury Managed With Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background: Physiotherapists often deal with spinal pathology in their caseloads, so they should have a thorough understanding of Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES). While CES treatment with physical therapy and rehabilitation is a rare presentation, A careful review only revealed four case reports. This case presented an unusual traumatic CES treatment with physical therapy and rehabilitation with a good functional outcome. Case presentation: Here is a case of a 56 years old Chinese male who visited the hospital with the lumbar spine showed that the L1 vertebral body was compressed fracture and the corresponding plane spinal cord was compressed following a fall injury. A description is provided of his subjective and physical examinations as well as the results of his lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. He was further referred to the physiotherapy department for management of the same. The patient was treated with surgical laminectomy and decompression at L1-L2. Anticoagulation, anti-infection, and pain relief therapies were part of the intervention. A comprehensive rehabilitation program included paraplegia physical therapy, intelligent lower limb training, acupuncture and massage, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Conclusion: The comprehensive physical rehabilitation program and medical treatment work best to heal the lesion and its resulting function in traumatic CES.