Skip to main content
. 2026 Feb 17;7(2):235–240. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.72.BJO-2025-0234.R1

Fig. 1.

Flowchart showing the MRI pathway for suspected cauda equina syndrome. It covers assessment with red‑flag symptoms, urgent MRI requests in and out of hours, reporting of results, and next steps for positive or negative findings. Flowchart for patients presenting with suspected cauda equina syndrome (CES). It outlines the process from initial assessment by an orthopaedic consultant or registrar when red‑flag symptoms are present, through requesting an urgent MRI. The chart shows different actions depending on whether the request is made in-hours or out of hours, including contacting radiology and arranging admission if needed. After the MRI, results are classified as positive or negative. Positive findings lead to further pathways for malignant or non‑malignant causes, while negative findings require no further action. The pathway emphasizes urgent communication, reporting, and escalation steps throughout.

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) pathway.