B6.032 Large Group: Acute Low Back Pain

Question 1

symptoms of cauda equina syndrome

Answer 1

saddle paresthesia/anesthesia
diminished neuro response (decreased reflexes)
bladder retention
foot drop or other major muscle weaknesses
positive straight leg raise test with range <40 deg and intense back pain

Question 2

signs and symptoms of spinal infection

Answer 2

severe back pain and history of lumbar spinal surgery in the last year
LBP without history; pain increased or unrelieved by rest
fever, UTI, wound in spine region, limited ROM, vertebral tenderness

Question 3

diagnostic workup of suspected spinal infection

Answer 3

lab: CBC, ESR, CRP
MRI: w and w/o contrast

Question 4

signs and symptoms of spinal cancer

Answer 4

prior history
LBP without history, pain increased or unrelieved by rest
unexplained weight loss, older age, failure of conservative management
limited ROM, vertebral tenderness

Question 5

workup for suspected spinal cancer

Answer 5

MRI