A 45-year-old man presents with acute urinary retention, bilateral saddle anesthesia, and absent ankle jerks, but minimal motor weakness in the lower limbs. This clinical picture is most characteristic of:

• A Cauda equina syndrome
• B Incomplete spinal cord injury (ASIA C)
• C L5-S1 intervertebral disc prolapse
• D Conus medullaris syndrome ✓

Explanation

Conus medullaris syndrome results from damage to the sacral cord segments and presents with saddle anesthesia, areflexic bladder, and symmetrical deficits without prominent radicular pain. Cauda equina syndrome typically causes asymmetric severe radicular leg pain, weakness, and areflexia. L5-S1 disc prolapse causes unilateral radiculopathy. ASIA C indicates incomplete cord injury with motor function below the neurological level.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.