Christopher Silveri MD

Christopher P. Silveri, M.D.FAAOS

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon : Spine View Profile
  • Dr. Silveri, at Fair Oaks Hospital, performed the hospital's first robotic spine surgery

  • I would like to express my sincere appreciation for keeping me up and running. By - Martha Howar

  • After suffering back pain for over 50 years the pain it became unbearable. By - Bob Vandel

  • Dr Silveri performed the first case using the O-Arm 3-D Imaging at Fair Oaks Hospital. Exciting New Technology

  • Thanks for the GREAT WORK! Double Fusion Feb 4, 2003 MARATHON October 30, 2005 By - Tim Bergen

  • Ballroom Dancer Fully Recovers from Back Surgery,A Laminectomy and Three Vertebra Fusion By - Tom Woll

  • Thanks Dr. Silveri.

  • Washingtonian Top Doctor 2023

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Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Cauda equina syndrome is an emergency condition characterized by persistent severe low back pain caused by compression of a bundle of spinal nerves (cauda equina) at the end of the spinal cord (lower back and hip region). If not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent paralysis of the legs, or bowel, bladder and sexual problems.

Compression of the cauda equina nerves may be caused by narrowing or compression from ruptured intervertebral disks in the lower back, spinal injury, fracture, infection, inflammation or presence of a tumor. It is usually seen in adults, but may also occur in children with spinal birth defects.

Persistent severe low back pain may be accompanied by symptoms such as numbness in your inner thighs and buttocks, weakness or pain in the legs, loss of bowel and bladder control, and sexual dysfunction.

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is necessary to consult your doctor. A thorough history and physical examination is performed, and imaging studies such as a CT, MRI and a myelogram (spinal canal X-ray using contrast dye) are ordered to diagnose cauda equina syndrome.

Care should be instituted within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to prevent permanent damage. Surgery is required to remove structures (tumors or ruptured disks) compressing the cauda equina. Your doctor will prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics to treat infections.

Cauda equina syndrome may cause some permanent dysfunction despite treatment. Family cooperation and professional assistance may be sought to deal with individual necessities.

  • Penn Medicine
  • American  Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  •  American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • North American Spine Society
  • Georgetown University