Saddle anesthesia, numbness around the groin, buttocks, and perineum, can indicate spinal cord damage and is associated with cauda equina syndrome. It can also be induced for medical procedures. Treatment may involve surgery and physical therapy. Saddle lock anesthesia may be used for procedures around the perineum.
Saddle anesthesia, or caudal anesthesia, refers to numbness around the groin, across the buttocks, and across the perineum, the flesh between the buttocks. When it occurs spontaneously, it can be a sign of spinal cord damage and can be a symptom of a medical emergency. It can also be induced by an anesthesiologist for a medical procedure. In both cases, certain neurological tests can be used to determine the extent of the loss of sensation.
Spontaneous development of saddle anesthesia is often associated with cauda equina syndrome. This medical condition occurs due to damage to the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord. They are known as the “cauda equina” or “horse tail” due to their appearance and most commonly suffer injuries from a herniated disc. If this condition is not treated, it can cause paralysis. Patients can also develop incontinence and other problems.
In addition to causing anesthesia of the saddle, this condition can contribute to leg weakness, incontinence, and poor coordination. A medical imaging study can reveal spinal cord damage, while a physical exam can provide more information about the specific nerve roots involved. The patient may need immediate surgery to decompress the spinal cord and prevent permanent damage. After surgery, recovery may involve rest along with physical therapy to re-develop strength and coordination while protecting your spine.
The saddle lock is an anesthesia technique that healthcare professionals may recommend for certain procedures around the groin area. One reason to use saddle anesthesia is in an episiotomy, in which a doctor cuts into the perineum to make it easier to deliver a baby. This can be quite painful and anesthesia is required to keep the patient comfortable. Anesthesiologists may recommend saddle anesthesia for other procedures involving the perineum, such as draining abscesses around the anus.
To perform a saddle lock, the anesthetist carefully prepares the patient’s lower back, cleaning it with antiseptics to reduce the risk of infection. A needle may be used to numb the area before a larger needle is inserted to numb the spinal cord. Pain signals will no longer travel along the spine, allowing caregivers to continue with a procedure. Typically, the doctor will recommend waiting a short time and checking to make sure the anesthesia has taken effect before proceeding, to reduce the risk of causing pain and distress by starting while the patient is still feeling it.
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