Cauda equina syndrome-most frequent referral diagnosis to a tertiary spinal centre: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but critical surgical emergency, with a global incidence of 1-3 cases per 100,000 annually. Despite its rarity, CES has paradoxically emerged as one of the most common referral diagnoses to tertiary spinal centres. This discrepancy between referral rates and the actual prevalence of CES raises concerns about potential over-referral and inefficiencies in clinical pathways. This study aimed to evaluate compliance with national guidelines from the British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) concerning the streamlined referral pathways and timely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilisation for suspected CES at a major tertiary spinal centre in the UK.

Methods

A retrospective audit was cond

SUBMITTER: Rao E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12775616 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature