Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between prolongation of the cauda equina conduction time (CECT) by magnetic stimulation and the functional classification of neurogenic intermittent claudication due to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The study subjects were 96 LSS patients who underwent spine surgery. LSS can be classified into three types : nerve root type, cauda equina type and mixed type. The mean CECT was 3.98 ms in the nerve root type, 5.68 ms in the cauda equina type and 5.05 ms in the mixed type. The differences between the types were significant. Among the three types, the claudication distance showed no significant difference with abnormal prolongation of CECT. For clinical assessment, the postoperative JOA score was significantly improved in all types, in comparison to the preoperative JOA score. In the nerve root type, CECT was not prolonged. In the cauda equina type, however, CECT was prolonged. CECT is useful for evaluation of cauda equina damage.
