Cauda equina syndrome after caudal epidural sacral injection in severe lumbar spinal stenosis: Case report

This case report discusses a rare complication following a common treatment for chronic low back pain. Caudal epidural sacral injections are often used to manage pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. However, in rare cases, these injections can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition involving nerve damage. The report details the case of a 63-year-old man with severe lumbar spinal stenosis who developed cauda equina syndrome immediately after receiving a caudal epidural sacral injection. He experienced motor weakness, numbness, and bladder dysfunction. Despite the initial severity of the condition and the patient's refusal of surgery, through rehabilitation and interdisciplinary care, the patient recovered within three months. This case highlights the need for caution and careful monitoring when performing epidural injections in patients with severe spinal stenosis.

• 1
  Caudal epidural sacral injection in a patient with severe lumbar spinal stenosis resulted in cauda equina syndrome immediately after the procedure.
• 2
  The patient experienced motor weakness, buttocks numbness, and voiding difficulties following the injection.
• 3
  With rehabilitation and interdisciplinary care, the patient achieved full recovery from cauda equina syndrome within three months, despite initially refusing surgical intervention.