Significant narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the nerve roots below the level of the spinal cord, causing lower back pain and lower extremity weakness.

• A. Cauda Equina Syndrome
• B. Closed Reduction
• C. Compartment Syndrome
• D. Osteoarthritis

Answer: (A)

This situation describes compression of the nerve roots that lie below the end of the spinal cord, causing back pain with weakness in the legs. That pattern fits cauda equina syndrome. The cauda equina consists of multiple nerve roots that descend in the lower spinal canal; when they are compressed, you get bilateral leg weakness, sensory changes, and often problems with bowel or bladder function. It’s a neurosurgical emergency because prompt decompression can prevent permanent nerve damage and improve outcomes.

The other options don’t fit this picture: Closed reduction is a procedure to realign a dislocated joint rather than compressing spinal nerve roots. Compartment syndrome is raised pressure within a muscle compartment causing limb ischemia, not spinal canal compression. Osteoarthritis is degenerative joint disease presenting with chronic pain and stiffness, not acute nerve-root compression in the spine.