A 28-year-old man with new lower back pain and urinary retention after a fall has saddle anaesthesia and decreased anal tone on examination. According...

Question

A 28-year-old man with new lower back pain and urinary retention after a fall has saddle anaesthesia and decreased anal tone on examination. According to Canadian spine emergency principles, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Order urgent MRI of the lumbosacral spine and consult neurosurgery for suspected cauda equina syndrome

Answer

Reassure and provide analgesia only

Answer

Arrange outpatient physiotherapy

Answer

Order plain lumbar radiographs only

Answer

Start NSAIDs and review in 2 weeks

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Cauda equina syndrome

A 28-year-old man with new lower back pain and urinary retention after a fall has saddle anaesthesia and decreased anal tone on examination. According to Canadian spine emergency principles, what is the most appropriate next step?