A 55-year-old patient complains of lower back pain due to heavy lifting at work yesterday. He reports weakness of the left leg and paresthesias in the left foot. On physical examination, the patient has diminished ability to dorsiflex the left ankle. Which of the following symptoms should prompt the clinician to make immediate referral to a neurosurgeon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Urinary incontinence in the context of back pain and neurological symptoms suggests cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency requiring immediate referral to a neurosurgeon to prevent permanent damage.

A 55-Year-Old Patient Complains of Lower Back Pain Due to Heavy