Spinal metastases and metastatic spinal cord compression

Cauda equina syndrome is a rare and severe type of spinal stenosis where all of the nerves in the lower back become severely compressed. 

The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) pathway for cauda equina syndrome covers:

• symptoms and initial management 
• bladder scanning
• radiology
• surgery
• post-operative care.

It can be used by healthcare professionals in primary, community and secondary care as a decision-support tool.

The GIRFT programme is a national NHS England programme designed to improve the treatment and care of patients through in-depth review and benchmarking of services. It uses a data-driven evidence base to support change.