Early intervention in cauda equina syndrome associated with better outcomes: a myth or reality? Insights from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2005-2011)

Early intervention in CES, regardless of the subtype (complete or incomplete), has higher likelihood of improved inpatient outcomes. The odds of getting better were higher, however, with incomplete CES. The timing of intervention did not seem to matter in traumatic CES as compared with degenerative etiology. Prospective randomized controlled trials may further help elucidate the impact of early intervention on outcomes in patients with CES.