Research progress in diagnosis and treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation is also known as cervical spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. This disorder is a both common and special type of spinal cord injury. Its patients usually have a prior history of cervical spine disorder, and their symptoms deteriorate after trauma. Radiographic examination may reveal nothing serious but their symptoms appear severe. Lack of knowledge of this disorder may lead to incorrect diagnosis and treatment based only on radiological manifestations, causing adverse outcomes to the patients. Currently, controversy exists over its injury mechanisms and treatment strategies. It helps functional recovery of the nerves if surgeons can determine the injury mechanism, radiological examinations are taken, a fine classification system is applied, and early effective surgery is conducted. This review deals with the research progress in injury mechanisms, radiological features, injury classification and treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation.