Pediatric transverse sacral fracture with cauda equina syndrome

Abstract Background context Transverse sacral fracture in pediatric patients is extremely uncommon with only nine cases reported in literature so far. Purpose The purpose of this study was to heighten awareness and treatment options of a rare injury of traumatic pediatric transverse sacral fracture with cauda equina syndrome. Study design This is a clinical case report and literature review. Methods We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a Type III Roy-Camille, Zone III Denis sacral fracture whose only neurological deficit was a cauda equina syndrome with bowel and bladder involvement. She underwent emergent sacral laminectomy and surgical stabilization to decompress the cauda equina. Results The patient regained bowel and bladder function at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions This case is presented to highlight the rarity of a pediatric transverse sacral fracture, which requires a high index of suspicion as early decompression helps in reversing the neurological deficit.