High Spinal Cord Injury Characterized by Flaccid Paralysis / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

@#ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of patients with flaccid paralysis after high spinal cord injury. Methods1014 cases with traumatic spinal cord injury were investigated. The patients with flaccid paralysis after high spinal cord injury (spinal fractures above the level of T10) were analyzed. Results6 patients were ananlyzed, including 5 males and 1 female, mean of age was (42±12). The neurological injury involved C7 to T8, and the fractures involved T3 to T10. 3 cases had the neurological deterioration upward at least 3 spinal segments after operation compared with the fractures. One case accomplicated with severe pain in the chest had the subacute progressive ascending myelopathy up to C7 level. MRI showed extensive atrophy of thoracic spinal cord 6 months later in 5 cases. ConclusionThe incidence of flaccid paralysis after high spinal cord injury was rare. It presents the extensive thoracic spinal cord atrophy, and the causes and mechanisms are not clear.