Transverse sacral fractures and concomitant late-diagnosed cauda equina syndrome

Abstract

Transverse sacral fractures in young patients occur with high-energy mechanisms. Because of the drawbacks in radiographic and neurologic evaluations of the sacral area in polytrauma patients, misdiagnosis is quite common. In this study, we aimed to report our clinical results in three patients with displaced transverse sacral fractures compromising the sacral canal and concomitant late-diagnosed (at least 48 hours) cauda equina syndrome. Bilateral lumbopelvic fixation, followed by sacral laminectomy and decompression, was performed in all patients. Despite the late-diagnosed cauda equina syndrome, we observed that surgical decompression and lumbopelvic fixation had positive effects on neurologic recovery, pain relief and early unsupported mobilization.