Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and spinal trauma

This 10-year retrospective review of spinal injuries at a destination ski resort was done to determine the incidence and type of spinal and neurologic injury associated with alpine winter sports. Spinal injury patterns and outcomes in skiers and snowboarders over a period of 11 seasons at a destination resort were studied. One-fourth of cervical injuries were associated with a temporary neurologic deficit. Only 1 in 25 thoracic injuries had an associated neurologic deficit, and this was permanent. None of the lumbar injuries required surgery, nor were any associated with a neurologic deficit. There was approximately one significant spinal injury every 100,000 skier-days, and only 9% of spinal injuries required surgery. The incidence of death or associated permanent neurologic deficit is low (approximately one per two million skier-days). Skiing and snowboarding have a low incidence of significant spinal trauma. Received: 13 September 2000     

Spinal injuries in the pediatric age group: a review of 82 cases of spinal cord and vertebral column injuries

A review of 82 children with spinal cord and/or vertebral column injury treated in our department between 1968 and 1993 showed that 67% of the patients were boys and the average age was 11.4 years. The cause, vertebral level, and type of injury, and the severity of neurological injury varied with the age of the patient. The cause of pediatric injuries differed from that of adult injuries in that falls were the most common causative factor (56%) followed by vehicular accidents (23%). The most frequent level of spinal injury was in the cervical region (57%, 47 patients) followed by the lumbar region (16.5%, 13 patients). In our series, 18% of the patients had complete injury and the overall mortality rate was 3.6%. Eleven children (13%) had spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA), whereas 39 (47%) had evidence of neurological injury. Although the spinal injury patterns differed between children and adolescents, the outcome was found to be predominantly affected by the type of neurological injury (P<0.05). Children with complete myelopathy uniformly remained with severe neurological dysfunction; children with incomplete myelopathy recovered nearly normal neurological function. Finally, the authors conclude that most spinal injuries can be successfuly managed with nonoperative therapy. The literature is reviewed as to the treatment and outcome of pediatric spinal injuries.     

齿状突骨折并存下颈椎损伤的诊断及治疗

目的 研究齿状突骨折并存下颈椎损伤的机制、临床特点及治疗方法.方法 回顾性分析1999年1月至2004年12月57例经手术治疗的Ⅱ型或浅Ⅲ型齿状突骨折患者的临床及影像学资料.其中并存下颈椎损伤6例,平均年龄54岁,4例同时合并颈椎退行性变或强直性脊柱炎.在下颈椎损伤中,骨折脱位2例,椎间盘、韧带结构损伤4例.6例患者均行上、下颈椎Ⅰ期手术治疗：2例并发脊髓不完全损伤来自于下颈椎损伤,先行下颈椎融合固定;无脊髓损伤4例,其中2例齿状突骨折术前不能复位,先固定齿状突骨折,另2例齿状突骨折术前解剖复位,先固定下颈椎损伤.结果 6例患者术后均获得随访,平均随访10个月,6例齿突骨折及下颈椎损伤均获骨性愈合;未出现与手术直接相关并发症及长期卧床所导致的并发症;2例不完全性脊髓损伤患者术后脊髓功能Frankel分级提高1级.结论 齿状突骨折并存下颈椎损伤的发生率占齿状突骨折的10.5%,多见于合并颈椎退行性变的老年患者,常需MRI检查以明确诊断.手术治疗此类损伤安全有效,可促进康复、减少并发症.对于合并神经功能损伤者,先固定导致神经功能损伤节段;无神经功能损伤者,先处理相对不稳定节段.     

Epidemiology and predictors of spinal injury in adult major trauma patients: European cohort study

This is a European cohort study on predictors of spinal injury in adult (≥16 years) major trauma patients, using prospectively collected data of the Trauma Audit and Research Network from 1988 to 2009. Predictors for spinal fractures/dislocations or spinal cord injury were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. 250,584 patients were analysed. 24,000 patients (9.6%) sustained spinal fractures/dislocations alone and 4,489 (1.8%) sustained spinal cord injury with or without fractures/dislocations. Spinal injury patients had a median age of 44.5 years (IQR = 28.8–64.0) and Injury Severity Score of 9 (IQR = 4–17). 64.9% were male. 45% of patients suffered associated injuries to other body regions. Age <45 years (≥45 years OR 0.83–0.94), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) 3–8 (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19), falls >2 m (OR 4.17, 95% CI 3.98–4.37), sports injuries (OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.41–3.23) and road traffic collisions (RTCs) (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.83–2.00) were predictors for spinal fractures/dislocations. Age <45 years (≥45 years OR 0.78–0.90), male gender (female OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72–0.85), GCS <15 (OR 1.36–1.93), associated chest injury (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.20), sports injuries (OR 3.98, 95% CI 3.04–5.21), falls >2 m (OR 3.60, 95% CI 3.21–4.04), RTCs (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.96–2.46) and shooting (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.21–3.00) were predictors for spinal cord injury. Multilevel injury was found in 10.4% of fractures/dislocations and in 1.3% of cord injury patients. As spinal trauma occurred in >10% of major trauma patients, aggressive evaluation of the spine is warranted, especially, in males, patients <45 years, with a GCS <15, concomitant chest injury and/or dangerous injury mechanisms (falls >2 m, sports injuries, RTCs and shooting). Diagnostic imaging of the whole spine and a diligent search for associated injuries are substantial.     

下颈椎损伤改良Moore分类的临床应用研究

目的：探讨改良Moore分类法在下颈椎损伤中的临床应用。方法：2006年8月至2010年3月收治下颈椎损伤患者200例,男165例,女35例;年龄19-88岁,平均52岁。应用下颈椎损伤改良Moore分类全面地描述下颈椎损伤的状态,颈椎损伤严重程度（稳定性）量化评分与有否神经症状表现相结合,根据骨折类型和稳定性、脊髓或神经根受压损伤情况、韧带损伤后的稳定程度及其他参考因素进行分类诊治,选择治疗方法。其中伴有脊髓神经损伤者130例（ASIA评分：A级6例,B级13例,C级43例,D级68例）,不伴有脊髓神经损伤者70例。对伴有脊髓神经损伤的下颈椎损伤患者,根据ASIA评分进行疗效评定;对不伴有脊髓神经损伤的患者,根据影像学检查对颈椎的序列和高度进行观察。结果：前、左、右侧和后柱均损伤35例;前柱损伤33例;前、后柱均损伤90例;前、左侧和后柱均损伤5例;前、右侧和后柱均损伤3例;前、左侧和右侧柱均损伤3例;前、右侧柱损伤2例;前、左侧柱损伤5例;后柱损伤12例;左侧柱损伤7例;右侧柱损伤5例。200例患者中手术治疗98例,非手术治疗102例（其中可以手术而患者家属要求非手术治疗39例）。完全性脊髓损伤患者中3例行手术后脊髓功能无恢复迹象,ASIA分级无变化,但其肢体麻木、疼痛等症状有不同程度的缓解,另3例未手术患者脊髓功能及肢体症状均无变化。不完全性脊髓损伤患者手术后脊髓功能均有一定程度恢复,ASIA评分平均提高1．2级。未手术的不完全性脊髓损伤患者非手术治疗后ASIA评分平均提高0.3级。不伴有脊髓神经损伤者手术后经影像学检查显示均恢复了颈椎的正常序列和高度。结论：根据改良Moore分类法,稳定性量化评分值大于等于4分有下颈椎不稳可能,需要手术治疗,分值越大,手术指征越明显,若伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者则有绝对手术指征。稳定性量化评分为3分且伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者一般也有手术指征。稳定性量化评分为3分不伴有脊髓或神经根受压损伤表现者或3分以下者均不需要手术治疗。应用改良Moore分类法有利于下颈椎损伤患者的临床规范化、标准化诊治,以获得较满意的疗效。     

Spontaneous interbody fusion after controlled injuries to the spine: an experimental study in rabbits

To evaluate the rationale of spontaneous spine fusion after a spinal injury, the authors conducted an experimental study that consisted of three types of controlled injuries to a rabbit spine model. The first was injury to the intervertebral disk (type I injury). The second was injury of the intervertebral disk along with injury to one of the adjacent vertebral end plates (type II). In type III injury, both the opposing end plates were injured along with the intervertebral disk. In 38 rabbits, a total of 82 injuries of these three types were inflicted. Twenty-six injuries were of type I (n = 22 rabbits), 26 were type II (n = 24 rabbits), and 30 were type III (n = 26 rabbits). Spontaneous fusion occurred only in type III injuries. From the 30 type III injuries, fusion occurred in 20 (66.6%). For an autofusion to occur, both epiphyseal plates may be injured. In the clinical situation, this observation suggests that a radiographically obscure lesion of both neighboring vertebrae may proceed to autofusion of that spinal segment observed later.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

Occipital condylar fractures. Review of the literature and case report

Fractures of the occipital condyle are rare. Their prompt diagnosis is crucial since there may be associated cranial nerve palsies and cervical spinal instability. The fracture is often not visible on a plain radiograph. We report the case of a 21-year-old man who sustained an occipital condylar fracture without any associated cranial nerve palsy or further injuries. We have also reviewed the literature on this type of injury, in order to assess the incidence, the mechanism and the association with head and cervical spinal injuries as well as classification systems, options for treatment and outcome.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

Pediatric spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities: report of 26 cases and review of the literature.

Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) occurs primarily in the pediatric population but is less common than other forms of spinal injury among children. Between 1972 and 1990, 159 pediatric patients were admitted to the Barrow Neurological Institute with acute traumatic spinal cord or vertebral column injuries. Of these, 26 children (16%) sustained SCIWORA. The mechanism of injury, its severity, and the prognosis for recovery were related to the patient's age. In young children, SCIWORA accounted for 32% of all spinal injuries and tended to be severe; 70% were complete injuries. In older children, SCIWORA accounted for only 12% of the spinal injuries, was rarely associated with a complete injury, and had an excellent prognosis for complete recovery of neurologic function. As with other types of spinal cord injuries, the severity of neurological injury was the most important predictor of outcome. Patients with complete neurological deficits from SCIWORA had a poor prognosis for recovery of neurological function.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的治疗

目的 探讨胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的损伤特点及治疗.方法 1996年5月至2007年11月,治疗胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折患者21例,男15例,女6例;年龄17～65岁,平均35.4岁.受伤至就诊时间为1～24 h.致伤原因:交通事故伤14例,高处坠落伤5例,钝器伤2例.21例患者均合并多发创伤或骨折,其中胸椎压缩型骨折11例,骨折脱位7例,爆裂型骨折2例,屈曲牵张型骨折1例.完全性神经损伤6例,不完全性神经损伤4例,无神经损伤11例.非手术治疗6例,手术治疗15例.结果 21例患者均获得随访,随访时间8～99个月,平均37.7个月.术后6例完全性神经损伤患者神经功能无明显改善;1例无神经损伤患者出现迟发性神经功能障碍,余10例病情无加重,其中4例仍有胸背局部疼痛;4例不完全性神经损伤患者中1例恢复正常,1例有改善,2例无改善.结论 胸椎骨折合并胸骨骨折的临床特点为致伤暴力大,脊髓损伤严重,合并多发伤的概率高.早期固定胸骨有助于加强胸椎的稳定性,延缓胸椎后凸畸形的进展.     

Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta: third decade of experience

BACKGROUND: Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta is a relatively common injury of deceleration accidents, usually high-speed motor vehicle accidents. Spinal cord injury has been a well-documented complication of surgical management. The use of nonheparinized partial bypass with a centrifugal pump was evaluated for protection against spinal cord injury and reduction of risk of associated injuries. METHODS: From 1989 to 1999, the third decade of the authors' experience, traumatic rupture was diagnosed in 58 patients (male 46 and female 12; mean age 39.9 years, range 17 to 85). Associated injuries were documented in 98.3% (57 patients). In all, 45 patients (77.6%) had the opportunity for definitive surgical management; 42 (93.3%) were managed with partial cardiopulmonary bypass, 35 without the use of heparin. Full cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized in 1 patient while 2 had repair without cardiopulmonary bypass support. Thirteen patients did not have the opportunity for definitive surgical management, 1 death on arrival, 8 (61.5%) suspected, and 4 (30.8%) diagnosed. RESULTS: There were 6 deaths in the surgical group, 5 in nonheparinized patients. The causes were intraoperative hypovolemia (2), anoxic brain death after intraoperative cardiac arrest (1), sepsis (1), and adult respiratory distress syndrome (1). The other was in the simple aortic cross-clamp group from intraoperative pulmonary compromise. There was one spinal cord injury, paraparesis in 1 of the 2 patients managed without bypass support. The total hospital stay ranged from 8 to 112 days, primarily owing to management of associated injuries. Of the 13 patients who did not have the opportunity for definitive surgical management, 5 had unsuccessful emergency thoracotomy and 3 survived the hospital course without surgery. Of the total population, the overall mortality was 27.6%, whereas the mortality of the potentially operable patients was 25.8%. Of the surgical group, the intraoperative mortality was 6.7% and 30-day mortality was 13.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal cord injury was prevented by the use of partial cardiopulmonary bypass. Nonheparinized bypass was likely to be a contributory factor to lack of mortality directly related to associated injuries.