Objective:The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of secondary cauda equina syndrome(CES)

a serious complication of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)

and to provide a clue of the therapeutic methods and prevention measures. Methods : In the retrospective study

24 cases

who suffered from LDH complicated with CES

were evaluated in regards to etiology

surgical and post - operative results. All the cases were operated with total - laminectomy together with discoidectomy. Results : 24 cases in the follow-up

post-operative period

were analyzed for full

partial and no recovery. Among them

the motor function recovered fully

the disturbance of sphincter recovered partially

the sensory disturbance of sella area recovered partially

and sexual function recovered poorly. Conclusion :CES is a serious complication of LDH

and early operation is the key of the treatment. There are some factors

including the degree of the primary lesion of cauda equina

the choice of the operative chance

the application of the operative method and the manipulative technique of the operation et al

that are closely related with the recoverable degree of CES.