The importance of the clinical examination of the lower sacral segments: Four case reports

Bladder dysfunction can be hard to diagnose because the problem might only be in the lower sacral segments (S2-S4). These segments control the bladder. If doctors don't check these segments carefully, they might miss the real cause of the bladder problem. The authors present four cases where bladder problems were linked to issues in the lower sacral segments. By doing a thorough exam of these segments, they were able to find the cause of the bladder issues. The tests include checking sensation, anal tone, reflexes, and voluntary muscle control in the sacral area. These tests are important for finding neurological problems that might be causing bladder issues.

• 1
  A thorough clinical examination of the lower sacral segments (S2-S4) is crucial in identifying neurological causes of unexplained bladder dysfunction.
• 2
  Sacral lesions can remain undetected if the clinical examination does not specifically include testing of anal sensation, tone, reflexes, and voluntary contraction.
• 3
  The case reports demonstrate that identifying sacral lesions through clinical examination can lead to appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and improved patient outcomes.