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Paradigms of Lower Extremity Electrical Stimulation Training After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: February 1, 2018
Spontaneous tetraplegia during weight training
G Clewer1, M Carmont, D Jaffray
1Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 7AG, UK. gjclewer@f2s.com
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|September 19, 2006
Summary
Weight training can cause tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) due to disc sequestration. Prompt surgical intervention and spinal fusion led to a good recovery, allowing the patient to resume sporting activities.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Weight training, while beneficial for fitness, carries potential risks.
- Cervical disc sequestration is a rare but serious complication.
- Spinal cord compression can lead to severe neurological deficits.
Observation:
- A case of tetraplegia was reported following a weight training session.
- Emergency surgery identified a large C5/6 disc sequestration.
- The disc was entrapped within the spinal canal by the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of the C5/6 disc sequestration was performed.
- Cervical spine fusion (C5-C7) was achieved using an iliac crest tricortical graft.
- The spine was stabilized following the fusion procedure.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical decompression are crucial for managing spinal cord injuries.
- This case highlights the importance of proper training techniques and awareness of potential risks.
- Successful surgical outcomes can enable patients to return to previous levels of activity, including sports.
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