Delayed surgical intervention in central cord syndrome with cervical stenosis

Treatment of acute traumatic central cord syndrome: a score-based approach based on the literature

PURPOSE

Acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) accounts for up to 70% of incomplete spinal cord injuries, and modern improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques have given surgeons more treatment options for the ATCCS patient. We present a literature review of ATCCS, with the aim of elucidating the best treatment option for the varying ATCCS patient characteristics and profiles. We aim to synthesise the available literature into a simple-to-use format to aid in the decision-making process.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies and improvement in functional outcomes were calculated. To allow for direct comparison of functional outcomes, we chose to focus solely on studies which utilised the ASIA motor score and improvements in ASIA motor score.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies were included for review. There were a total of 749 patients, of which 564 were treated surgically and 185 were treated conservatively. There was a significantly higher average motor recovery percentage amongst surgically-treated patients as compared to conservatively treated patients (76.1% vs. 66.1%, p value = 0.04). There was no significant difference between the ASIA motor recovery percentage of patients treated with early surgery and delayed surgery (69.9 vs. 77.2, p value = 0.31). Delayed surgery after a trial of conservative management is also an appropriate treatment strategy for certain patients, and the presence of multiple comorbidities portend poor outcomes. We propose a score-based approach to decision making in ATCCS, by allocating a numerical score for the patient's clinical neurological condition, imaging findings on CT or MRI, history of cervical spondylosis and comorbidity profile.

CONCLUSIONS

An individualised approach to each ATCCS patient, considering their unique characteristics will lead to the best outcomes, and the use of a simple scoring system, can aid clinicians in choosing the best treatment for ATCCS patients.

Surgical Efficacy and Prognostic Factors for Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome Without Fracture and Dislocation

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment of acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) without fracture and dislocation and explore surgical timing and factors influencing postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. We retrospectively collected the general and clinical data of 112 patients with ATCCS (American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale grade C or D) without fracture and dislocation who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2013 to August 2019. We used statistical methods to evaluate the safety of the operation and explore the timing of surgery and the factors influencing postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. The mean age of the 112 patients was 60.64±12.91 years. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score and the American Spinal Injury Association motor score (AMS) of the 112 patients were significantly higher at final follow-up than at admission. No significant difference in recovery of spinal cord function was seen between the early operation group (≤4 days) and the late operation group (>4 days). Comparison of patients with a good prognosis vs a poor prognosis showed that age, intrahand muscle strength at admission, maximum spinal cord compression, maximum canal compromise, length of high-intensity signal in the spinal cord on sagittal T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, AMS, and American Spinal Injury Association injury grade D/C at admission had a significant effect on recovery of spinal cord function. Surgical treatment of ATCCS without fracture and dislocation is safe and effective. Age, admission AMS and American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale score, intrinsic hand muscle strength, maximum canal compromise, maximum spinal cord compression, and length of high-intensity signal in the spinal cord can be used to predict postoperative recovery of spinal cord function. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):325-332.].

Incidence of discoligamentous injuries in patients with acute central cord syndrome and underlying degenerative cervical spinal stenosis

Introduction

Surgical treatment for CCS in patients with an underlying cervical stenosis without instability remains controversial.

Research question

The aim was to assess the incidence of concomitant discoligamentous injury (DLI) in patients with CCS and underlying degenerative cervical spinal stenosis and to determine the sensitivity of MRI by comparing intraoperative site inspection to preoperative imaging findings.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of our clinical prospective database. Fifty-one patients (39 male, 12 female) between January 2010 and June 2019 were included. Age, sex, neurological deficits, preoperative MRI, and surgical treatment were recorded. Sensitivity was determined by the quotient of patients in whom all levels of DLI were correctly identified on MRI and the total number of patients with intraoperatively confirmed DLI.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 64.1 ​± ​11.3 (range 41–86). DLI was suspected in 33 (62.1%) patients based on MRI findings, which could be confirmed intraoperatively in 29 patients (56.9%). In 2 patients, DLI was detected intraoperatively that was not suspected in preoperative MRI; in 5 patients, another level was affected intraoperatively than was indicated by MRI. The overall specificity and sensitivity of preoperative MRI imaging to identify discoligamentous lesions of the cervical spine was 73% and 79%, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion

The incidence of DLI in patients with traumatic CCS based on preexisting spinal stenosis was 60.78%, which is higher than previously reported. The sensitivity of MRI imaging to detect DLI of 79% suggests that these patients are at risk of missing traumatic DLI on imaging.

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Traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injury.

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The incidence of DLI in traumatic CCS with preexisting spinal stenosis seems to be higher than previously reported.

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The sensitivity of MRI for detecting DLI is limited in patients with preexisting degenerative cervical spondylosis (79%).

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There is a risk of missing a traumatic disco-ligamentous injury in these patients.

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Limited sensitivity of MRI for DLI in traumatic CCS based on preexisting spinal stenosis should be considered.

Surgical outcome and risk factors for cervical spinal cord injury patients in chronic stage: a 2-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the nerve function deficient recovery in surgically treated patients with cervical trauma with spinal cord injury (SCI) in chronic stage and figure out prognostic predictors of improvement in impairment and function.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and radiological data of 143 cervical SCI patients in chronic stage and divided into non-operative group (n = 61) and operative group (n = 82). The severity of neurological involvement was assessed using the ASIA motor score (AMS) and Functional Independence Measure Motor Score (FIM MS). The health-related quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Correspondence between the clinical and radiological findings and the neurological outcome was investigated.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, surgery resulted in greater improvement in AMS and FIM MS than non-operative group. Regression analysis revealed that lower initial AMS (P = 0.000), longer duration after injury (P = 0.022) and injury above C4 level (P = 0.022) were factors predictive of lower final AMS. Longer duration (P = 0.020) and injury above C4 level (P = 0.010) were associated with a lower FIM MS. SF-36 scores were significantly lower in higher age (P = 0.015), female patients (P = 0.009) and patients with longer duration (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is reasonable to consider surgical decompression in patients with cervical SCI in chronic stage and persistent spinal cord compression and/or gross cervical instability. Initial AMS, longer duration, injury above C4 level, higher age and female patients are the five major relevant factors of functional recovery.

Epidemiology and treatment of central cord syndrome in the United States

Background

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the epidemiology and trends in management of patients with central cord syndrome (CCS) who present to the emergency department. Recent literature has reported that surgical treatment for CCS have increased over the previous decades.

Methods

The National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) was queried from 2009 through 2012 to generate national estimates of patients who presented to the emergency department in the United States and were diagnosed with CCS.

Results

From 2009 through 2012, there were 11,975 emergency room visits for CCS (mean age 60 years). The two most common injury mechanisms were: fall (55%) and motor vehicle accident (15%). Concomitant cervical fractures were found in 10% patients. Ninety-three percent of patients were admitted to the hospital directly or after transfer to another facility, and 7% were discharged home. Fifty-five percent of patients were treated non-operatively, 39% were treated with cervical fusion surgery and 6% were treated with laminoplasty. Of patients who underwent cervical fusion, 62% received anterior decompression and fusion, 32% received posterior decompression and fusion, and 6% received combined anterior-posterior decompression and fusion. The incidence of in-hospital mortality was 2.6%. Mortality was associated with older patient age (OR 1.06, P<0.001) and greater comorbidities (OR 1.72, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Majority of patients who presented to the emergency room for CCS in the United States were treated non-operatively. Advanced age and greater comorbidities were the factors that were most associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with CCS.

Current Concepts: Central Cord Syndrome

Central cord syndrome (CCS) represents a clinical phenomenon characterized by disproportionately greater motor impairment of the upper than of the lower extremities, bladder dysfunction. CSS is the most common form of incomplete traumatic spinal cord injury. The initial description of CSS was reported in 1887 secondary to cervical spinal trauma. However, recent literature describes a heterogenous injury patterns including high-energy and low-energy mechanisms and bimodal patient age distributions. Pathophysiology of clinical symptoms and neurological deficits often is affected by preexisting cervical spondylosis. Urgent clinical diagnosis is dependent on neurological examination and imaging studies. Treatment of CSS is dependent on injury mechanism and compressive lesions, neurological examination, preexisting cervical pathology, and patient-specific comorbidities. This article will review the current concepts in diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of CSS with a highlighted case example.

Clinical Trials in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in impaired neurologic function that for many individuals is permanent and significantly impacts health, function, quality of life, and life expectancy. Many efforts have been taken to develop effective treatments for SCI; nevertheless, proven therapies targeting neurologic regeneration and functional recovery have been limited. Existing therapeutic approaches, including early surgery, strict blood pressure control, and consideration of treatment with steroids, remain debated and largely focus on mitigating secondary injury after the primary trauma has occurred. Today, there is more research being performed in SCI than ever before. Current clinical trials are exploring pharmacologic, cell-based, physiologic, and rehabilitation approaches to reduce secondary injury and also overcome barriers to neurorecovery. In the future, it is likely that tailored treatments combining many of these strategies will offer significant benefits for persons with SCI. This article aims to review key past, current and emerging neurologic and rehabilitation therapeutic approaches for adults with traumatic SCI.