REVIEW OF CAUDA EQUINA LESIONS DUE TO PENETRATING INJURIES IN THE ESFAHAN PROVINCE IMPOSED WAR WOUNDED

Abstract

An Injury of the caudal equine has been suggested to be an unique type of spinal injury than other types of penetrating spinal injuries. However the role of surgery as a method to speed or improve recovery is unclear. The 33 war wounded reported here represent approximately 15% of all penetrating spinal injuries related to Esfahan province. The average age was 23 years they were admitted at first in urgent centers near the war border and then in hospitals in different parts of country they received spine films and syelography. Deficit were Complete. if total loss of function existed and were "incomplete" if any function remained below the level of injury. Improvement at the end of follow up (after two years) was defiend as any recovery of motor strength or sensory level. Early neurosurgical intervention for pentrating injuries of caudal equine may be beneficial but carries an increased risk of complications.