[Does the site of compression of spinal roots affect the therapeutic results in discogenic cauda equina syndrome?].

Experimental investigations and differences in the anatomical structure of roots of the cauda equina indicate that the most serious sequelae should be produced in the short portion beyond the spine. The objective of the present work was to verify this assumption. The authors examined 70 subjects (24 women and 46 men) operated on account of discogenic syndrome of the cauda equina in 1982 -1992; statistical analysis of the results by means of the X2-test revealed that the condition had in the majority of patients permanent sequelae. Except for restored sensitivity it was not possible to prove a relationship between the site of the compression and the therapeutic results. Key words: cauda equina syndrome, site of compression.