Adult spinal cord injury with no radiographic bone lesion: analysis of nine consecutive patients

Background

Spinal cord injury with no radiographic bone lesion described as spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) in childhood is less often reported in adults than in children. This study was undertaken to report our experience in the management of nine cases over 25 years.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective study from 1985 to 2009 concerning nine adult patients who sustained spinal cord injury with no radiographic abnormality. The ratio among all cervical spine traumas for the same period was 2.21%. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all the patients. The patients’ clinical status at the time of admission and discharge was evaluated using the Frankel's grading system. We report the results based on the clinical, epidemiologic and radiological findings and outcomes.

Results

The mean age of our population was 37.43 years, ranging from 18 to 60 years. All the patients were men. The main etiology was falls (5/9) followed by road traffic accidents (4/9). According to the Frankel's grading system, four patients (44.45%) were grade A, four were grade B (44.45%), and one was grade C (11.11%). On MRI, medullar lesions were: contusion, non-compressive cervical disc herniation, cervical spine stenosis, and two cases of normal cervical spine. Four patients were operated on via the posterior cervical spine approach (laminectomy, C3-C7 in three cases and C1-C3 in one case). The other five patients were treated orthopaedically for 6 to 8 weeks. Three patients (3/9), who were Frankel's grade B and C with no demonstrable injury on MRI, improved to Frankel a useful neurological grade (Frankel's grades D or E) at the time of discharge. One patient evaluated as Frankel's grade A died from cardiovascular disturbance.

Conclusion

Spinal cord injury with no radiographic abnormality accounted for 2.21% of cases of spinal cord injury in our series. MRI is the investigation of choice, having diagnostic and prognostic value because it demonstrates neural and extraneural injuries and helps to identify surgically correctable abnormalities.     

Cervical spine injury in the young child

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Clinical characteristics and treatment of spinal cord injury in children and adolescents

Pediatric and adult spinal cord injuries (SCI) are distinct entities. Children and adolescents with SCI must suffer from lifelong disabilities, which is a heavy burden on patients, their families and the society. There are differences in Chinese and foreign literature reports on the incidence, injury mechanism and prognosis of SCI in children and adolescents. In addition to traumatic injuries such as car accidents and falls, the proportion of sports injuries is increasing. The most common sports injury is the backbend during dance practice. Compared with adults, children and adolescents are considered to have a greater potential for neurological improvement. The pathogenesis and treatment of pediatric SCI remains unclear. The mainstream view is that the mechanism of nerve damage in pediatric SCI include flexion, hyperextension, longitudinal distraction and ischemia. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of drugs such as methylprednisolone in the treatment of pediatric SCI and the indications and timing of surgery. In addition, the complications of pediatric SCI are also worthy of attention. New imaging techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion tensor tractography may be used for diagnosis and assessment of prognosis. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging, clinical characteristics, treatment and complications of SCI in children and adolescents. Although current treatment cannot completely restore neurological function, patient quality of life can be enhanced. Continued developments and advances in the research of SCI may eventually provide a cure for children and adolescents with this kind of injury.     

无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的临床研究进展

无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤是指没有骨折或脱位的颈部创伤所导致的急性颈脊髓损伤。通常多见于儿童,具体损伤机制至今仍不明了。X线、CT检查提示颈椎无骨折脱位,MRI检查有脊髓损伤的表现。临床表现多种多样,以脊髓中央型损伤综合征常见。临床治疗可分为保守治疗和手术治疗,如何选择合适的治疗方法仍存在争议。本文就无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的病因、损伤机制、临床治疗等方面的研究进展作一综述。     

无脊髓损伤颈椎骨折脱位的治疗分析

目的 探讨无脊髓损伤颈椎骨折脱位的治疗方法选择。方法 28例无脊髓损伤的颈椎骨折或骨折脱位，新鲜损伤26例，陈旧性损伤2例；其中23例手术治疗；5例保守治疗。结果 全部病例随访观察，症状均获得改善，17例完全恢复，7例残留手指麻木，4例颈椎旋转受限，颈椎椎间高度、生理曲度维持良好。结论 对于无脊髓损伤的稳定性上颈椎骨折脱位行牵引、制动、复位和固定，而不稳定性上颈椎骨折脱位应手术治疗；对于无脊髓损伤的下颈椎骨折脱位宜首选经前路手术治疗，前路手术除可达到减压、恢复颈椎椎间高度和生理曲度外，更重要的是可重建颈椎即刻稳定性，对防止继发性脊髓损伤有极其重要的作用。     

Prognosis of traumatic spinal cord injury in children: Follow-up of 86 patients

PurposeThe long-term situation of children with spinal cord injury (SCI) was investigated, and suggestions for helping them better return to the society were provided.MethodsSCI patients less than 18 years old hospitalized in Beijing Boai Hospital from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Information including motor function, complications, characteristic changes, self-care abilities, school attendance and social participation were collected by telephone interview and electronic questionnaire. All the answers were statistically analyzed.ResultsA total of 86 cases were enrolled, 77 girls and 9 boys, with a median injury age of 6 years and 2 months. The follow-up time was 3–130 months. The main cause of trauma in these children was sport injury (66.3%), the thoracic spinal cord was involved the most (91.9%), and complete SCIs accounted for the majority (76.7%). In terms of complications, children with complete SCIs were more likely to have urinary incontinence, constipation and characteristic changes (p < 0.05); whereas the incomplete SCIs often have spasticity (p < 0.05). As to the daily living abilities, children with incomplete lumbar SCIs were more capable to accomplish personal hygiene, transfer, and bathing independently than those with complete injuries, or cervical/thoracic SCIs, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, children older than 9 years care more able to dress and transfer independently than the youngers (p < 0.05). Wheelchair users accounted for 84.9% and more than half of them were able to propel wheelchair independently, and those who move passively in wheelchairs were mostly introverted kids (p < 0.05). Almost all (93.8%) children with incomplete injuries were able to walk independently. Most (79.1%) children continued to attending school, and 41.9% participated in interest classes. Unfortunately, 67.4% of the children spent less time playing with their peers than before the injury.ConclusionSCIs impair physical structures and function of children, affect their independence in daily living, and restrict school attendance and social interaction. Comprehensive rehabilitation after injury is a systematic work. Medical staff and caregivers should not only pay attention to neurological function, but also help them improve self-care abilities. It is also important to balance rehabilitation training and school work and social participation.     

Cervical spinal cord injury after blunt assault: Just a pain in the neck?

Background

We aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) after blunt assault.

Cervical stenosis in spinal cord injury and disorders

Context/Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize etiologies of spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D) in persons with and without cervical stenosis/spondylosis (CSS) and to describe clinical characteristics and underlying comorbidities in these populations.

Design and Setting: We reviewed administrative data for 1954 Veterans who had onset of traumatic or non-traumatic tetraplegia during FY 1999–2007. This included 1037 with a diagnosis of CSS at or in the two years prior to SCI onset of SCI/D and 917 without a diagnosis of CSS.

Outcome Measures: Demographics, etiologies of SCI/D and comorbidities by CSS status.

Results: Veterans with SCI/D and CSS were older, more likely to have incomplete injuries and more likely to be Black than those with SCI/D and no CSS. Of patients with traumatic etiologies for SCI, 35.1% had a diagnosis of CSS at the time of or in the 2 years prior to SCI onset. Of those with tetraplegia due to falls, 40.0% had CSS, whereas for other known traumatic etiologies the percentages with CSS were lower: vehicular (25.0%); sports (16.1%); and acts of violence (10.2%). Total comorbidity scores measured by the Charlson co morbidity index and CMS Hierarchical Condition Category (CMS-HCC) were higher in those with CSS and SCI/D compared to those with SCI/D without CSS (P?<?0.0001 respectively).

Conclusions: CSS is commonly present in patients with new traumatic tetraplegia. Falls are a particularly important potentially modifiable risk for SCI in patients with CSS.     

陈旧性颈髓损伤的外科治疗

目的：观察颈椎减压融合手术对陈旧性颈椎骨折脱位引起的颈脊髓或神经根损伤的治疗效果。方法：1999年1月～2003年12月手术治疗因颈椎骨折脱位合并不同程度颈脊髓损伤后1个月以上的患者58例，总结临床资料，比较手术前后感觉运动功能的改善程度。结果：平均随访27个月。术前ASIA分级A级的7例患者术后上肢有1～2个神经根功能改善者3例，下肢出现肌肉活动功能改善者2例：术前B级的11例患者术后8例上肢活动有改善，6例出现下肢功能改善；术前C级6例患者术后达D级3例，E级3例：术前D级34例患者术后达到E级24例，10例仍为D级。所有患者术后ASIA的感觉及运动评分较术前明显提高（P〈0．05）。结论：减压融合手术对陈旧性颈椎骨折脱位引起的颈脊髓损伤或神经根损伤仍是有效的治疗方法，脊髓功能的恢复与脊髓损伤程度有关。     

颈椎管扩大成形术在治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤中的作用

目的:探讨颈椎管扩大成形术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤的临床疗效。方法:对24例无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者行颈椎管扩大成形术,早期进行康复训练,比较患者在治疗前后ASIA评分及改善率,并与10例保守治疗者进行对比。结果:两组在治疗后感觉及运动功能较治疗前有明显提高(P<0.05)。但手术组疗效明显优于保守治疗组(P<0.01)。结:论对无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者早期施行减压及稳定手术可取得比保守治疗更好的效果。线锯法颈椎管扩大成形术结合早期康复训练为无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤的治疗与功能恢复提供了新的思路。     

颈椎骨折合并急性颈髓损伤的手术时机探讨

目的：探讨颈椎骨折合并急性颈髓损伤的手术时机。 方法：回顾性分析2000年1月~2011年1月我科治疗的颈髓损伤患者42例,其中急诊手术组（≤24h）18例,延期手术组（>24h）24例,对比分析手术前后神经功能变化、术后并发症和住院时间等临床资料,并进行统计学分析。 结果：急诊手术组感觉和运动功能改善明显,并发症发生率、重症监护时间和住院时间均低于延期手术组。 结论：颈椎骨折合并急性颈髓损伤的急诊手术减压是可行的,对神经功能的恢复有积极作用,并减少围手术期并发症。     

Factors associated with post-acute functional status and discharge dispositions in individuals with spinal cord injury

BackgroundResearch has evaluated the effect of surgical timing on patient functional recovery in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI); however, there is a critical need to assess how demographics, clinical characteristics, and process of care affect functional outcomes.ObjectiveWe examined the association between demographic, clinical, and process of care factors with post-acute functional status (locomotion and transfer mobility scores) and discharge disposition (home vs. institution) in individuals with SCI.MethodsThis study was a retrospective cohort analysis of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Outcomes Study (PTOS) database for individuals with traumatic SCI (N = 2223). We conducted multinomial and binomial logistic regression analyses to examine post-acute functional status and discharge disposition, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that older age, longer length of stay, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), higher Injury Severity Score (ISS), and individuals with tetraplegia had significantly lower motor functional score at discharge from an acute hospital. In addition, older age, individuals with public-sponsored insurance, longer length of stay, lower GCS, and higher ISS had significantly higher odds of being discharged to an institution, as compared to home. Individuals of Hispanic ethnicity, as compared to White, had lower odds of being discharged to an institution.ConclusionsThe regression models developed in this study were able to better classify discharge destinations compared to the functional outcomes at discharge from the acute hospital. Further research is necessary to determine how these factors and their associations vary nationally across the US, which have the potential to inform trauma and acute care post-SCI.     

无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的临床研究

目的：探讨颈椎在无骨折脱位情况下出现颈髓损伤的临床机制。方法：观察２４例无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤，重点分析其影像学检查特点。结果：２７％病例合并椎管狭窄，８３％的病例存在椎间盘突出，不同程度压迫脊髓。结论：无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤机制中，存在外伤致颈椎间盘损伤，突出的间盘向后压迫损伤颈髓。颈椎间盘损伤受力机制为屈曲→压缩→过伸。颈椎管狭窄、椎间盘退变等是此类脊髓损伤的病理解剖基础     

早期手术治疗急性颈脊髓损伤

目的 探讨早期手术治疗急性严重颈脊髓损伤的临床效果。方法 自1999～2002年对24例急性颈脊髓损伤的患者进行早期手术治疗，受伤到手术的平均时间为67h，手术方式包括颈椎前路手术、后路手术及前后路联合手术，对损伤的颈椎节段实施复位、减压、固定和融合。结果 22例获得12．38个月(平均18个月)的随访，除11例全瘫者中的2例无恢复外，其他病例均有不同程度的恢复，ASIA分级平均提高1．8个等级，无并发症发生。结论 对急性严重颈脊髓损伤，早期实施手术治疗可取得满意的治疗效果。     

急性成人颈段无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤非手术治疗与早期外科干预的对比分析

目的 比较非手术治疗与早期外科干预在治疗成人颈段无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤中的作用.方法 回顾性分析了自2009-03-2012-10治疗并获得随访的47例成人颈段无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤的临床资料,其中21例行激素脱水及营养神经等非手术治疗,26例于伤后72 h内行手术治疗,通过美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)神经功能评定标准评估临床疗效,观察各组治疗前后及随访各时间点的ASIA运动评分以及相关并发症.结果 非手术及手术治疗均能有效改善患者损伤脊髓的神经功能,早期手术干预组术后临床疗效明显优于非手术治疗组,ASIA运动评分差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),非手术治疗与早期手术组肺部感染的发生率分别为95％、3.8％,两者差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 急性成人颈段无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤早期外科干预疗效明显优于非手术治疗,非手术治疗并发症相对较多.     

无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤外科治疗随诊观察

目的 :探讨脊髓损伤程度、治疗方法及手术时机对无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤疗效的影响。方法 :对 118例手术治疗的无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者平均随访 30 3个月 (1～ 16 3个月 ) ,74例随访 1年以上 (平均 4 6 3个月 )。观察 :(1)伤后 3种不同脊髓功能状况的治疗效果 (A组 :受伤时呈完全性瘫痪 ,70例 ;B组 :不完全性瘫痪 ,4 2例 ;C组 :上肢部分瘫痪、下肢完全性瘫痪 ,6例 )。 (2 )保守治疗与手术治疗的效果。 (3)手术时机 (伤后 <12个月、>12个月 )对疗效的影响。并做统计学分析。结果 :(1) 3组之间在保守治疗效果、术后近期效果和后期随访结果上无显著性差异。 (2 ) 3组均经保守治疗 ,平均为 2 1 3个月。保守治疗的效果与术后近期、尤其与后期随访结果相比 ,JOA评分较低 ,存在统计学上的差异。 (3)伤后 <12个月和 >12个月手术的患者后期随访结果具有统计学上的差异。前者术后近期和后期脊髓功能恢复都较满意 ;后者术后近期恢复较明显 ,但后期脊髓功能却出现倒退现象。结论 :无骨折脱位型脊髓损伤患者不同的脊髓功能状况对脊髓功能恢复程度无影响 ;手术治疗效果明显优于保守治疗 ;手术时机对后期脊髓功能恢复有重要影响。最迟不应超过伤后 12个月     

Factors associated with early mortality after cervical spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background

A relatively high early mortality rate (<30 days post-injury) for cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) has been observed.

Objective

To investigate this early mortality rate observed after cervical SCI and analyze the associated influential factors.

Methods

Medical records for 1163 patients with cervical SCI were reviewed, and the number of patients with early mortality was documented. Through logistic regression analysis, the effects of age, gender, occupation, cause of injury, severity of injury, highest involved spinal cord segment, nutritional condition during hospitalization, surgical treatment, tracheotomy, etc., on early mortality were assessed. Implementation of early treatment (i.e. surgery, tracheotomy, and nutritional support) and its effect on patient prognosis were also analyzed.

Results

Early mortality occurred in 109 of 1163 patients (9.4%). Four factors affected the early mortality rate, including level and severity of SCI, whether or not surgery was performed, the time interval between SCI and surgery, malnutrition, and tracheotomy. Patients with an American Spinal Injury Association grade of A, a high cervical SCI (C1–C3), and/or no surgical intervention were statistically more likely to have early mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Severe cervical SCI, upper-level cervical cord injury, malnutrition, and inappropriate tracheotomy are risk factors for early mortality in patients with cervical SCI. Surgery can reduce early mortality. Early tracheotomy should be performed in patients with complete upper-level cervical SCI, but patients with incomplete cervical SCI or complete low-level cervical SCI should initially be treated surgically to maintain smooth airway flow.     

Factors associated with early mortality after cervical spinal cord injury

Background

A relatively high early mortality rate (<30 days post-injury) for cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) has been observed.

Objective

To investigate this early mortality rate observed after cervical SCI and analyze the associated influential factors.

Methods

Medical records for 1163 patients with cervical SCI were reviewed, and the number of patients with early mortality was documented. Through logistic regression analysis, the effects of age, gender, occupation, cause of injury, severity of injury, highest involved spinal cord segment, nutritional condition during hospitalization, surgical treatment, tracheotomy, etc., on early mortality were assessed. Implementation of early treatment (i.e. surgery, tracheotomy, and nutritional support) and its effect on patient prognosis were also analyzed.

Results

Early mortality occurred in 109 of 1163 patients (9.4%). Four factors affected the early mortality rate, including level and severity of SCI, whether or not surgery was performed, the time interval between SCI and surgery, malnutrition, and tracheotomy. Patients with an American Spinal Injury Association grade of A, a high cervical SCI (C1–C3), and/or no surgical intervention were statistically more likely to have early mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Severe cervical SCI, upper-level cervical cord injury, malnutrition, and inappropriate tracheotomy are risk factors for early mortality in patients with cervical SCI. Surgery can reduce early mortality. Early tracheotomy should be performed in patients with complete upper-level cervical SCI, but patients with incomplete cervical SCI or complete low-level cervical SCI should initially be treated surgically to maintain smooth airway flow.     

儿童无放射学影像异常的脊髓损伤14例临床分析

目的：提高对儿童无放射学影像异常的脊髓损伤（spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality，SCIWORA）的认识。方法：对1992年1月至2005年8月北京儿童医院住院患者中诊断为“急性脊髓炎”或“脊髓损伤”的187例进行回顾性分析，发现其中14例为SCIWORA。男6例，女8例。年龄1岁3个月～15岁（15岁1例，1岁3个月～7岁13例）。均有明确外伤史。损伤水平在C6～T9，颈髓2例，胸髓12例。脊髓功能ASIA分级：A级9例，C级4例，D级1例。脊柱X线片和CT未见骨折及脱位；MRI检查示脊髓水肿9例,脊髓出血2例，脊髓挫伤3例。采用综合治疗，包括卧床、局部制动，应用激素、脱水剂、神经营养药等。结果：4例患者失访，10例患者随访6个月～5年，平均2年3个月，4例（C级3例，D级1例）患者（均为MRI显示水肿局限者）在伤后6个月运动、感觉及括约肌功能完全恢复（E级）；6例（A级）患者运动、感觉及括约肌障碍未恢复。2例（A级）病初MRI表现为脊髓弥漫水肿者，伤后4～6个月复查MRI脊髓呈萎缩样改变。结论：对怀疑SCIWORA的儿童，应首选MRI检查。脊髓水肿局限者预后好，水肿弥漫或伴有出血、挫伤者预后差。     

下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤的前路手术治疗

目的:探讨颈椎前路手术在治疗下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤中的复位率及临床疗效.方法:2006年1月～2011年1月,我院采用前路手术治疗下颈椎骨折脱位伴脊髓损伤患者196例,168例患者资料完整并获得随访,男123例,女45例,年龄18～71岁,平均38.7岁.ASIA分级A级21例,B级46例,C级60例,D级41例;按脱位程度Ⅰ度79例,Ⅱ度42例,Ⅲ度31例,Ⅳ度16例.所有患者术前先行小重量颅骨牵引(2～4kg),随后在全麻下行颈椎前路手术进一步复位,先行损伤节段椎间盘切除,以Caspar撑开器撑开复位;不能复位者,行脱位椎体次全切除,再次复位;仍不能复位者,则一期行后路松解,再行前路手术.结果:168例中经颈前路手术复位者为88.1％(148/168),其余11.9％(20/168)则通过前路-后路-前路手术获得复位.89.9％(151/168)获得了完全复位,10.1％(17/168)获得了90％以上的复位.平均随访30.7个月,死亡19例,失访9例,140例仍在随访中.术后6个月均获得骨性融合,颈椎椎间高度和生理曲度维持良好,无钢板螺钉并发症.术后发生声音嘶哑4例,咽喉疼痛17例,髂骨取骨区麻木18例,给予对症治疗后均好转.术后153例脊髓损伤者神经功能获得改善.结论:下颈椎骨折脱位并脊髓损伤,可通过前路手术治疗使颈椎获得即刻的稳定,防止继发性脊髓损伤,改善脊髓的功能状况.