O: Emergencies

Question 1

what are the 3 orthopaedic emergencies?

Answer 1

cauda equina, septic arthritis, flexor tendon sheath infection

Question 2

what is cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 2

very large central disc prolapse which may compress all the nerve roots of the cauda equina

Question 3

aetiology of caudal equina?

Answer 3

malignancy or disc prolapse

Question 4

s/s of cauda equina?

Answer 4

saddle anaesthesia, loss of motor or sensory control (micturition, anal tone), widespread weakness in legs, gait disturbance (broad base), bilateral sciatica

Question 5

ix for cauda equina?

Answer 5

MRI, PR exam

Question 6

mx of cauda equina?

Answer 6

surgery- decompression or discectomy