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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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A Murine Model of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury to Study Post-lesional Respiratory Neuroplasticity
Published on: May 28, 2014
Spinal cord infarction following cricotracheal resection
Jochen P Windfuhr1, Alexander Dülks
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Malteser Krankenhaus St. Anna, Albertus Magnus Str. 33, Duisburg, Germany. jwindfuhr@live.de
Summary
Cricotracheal resection with chin-to-chest sutures can lead to permanent quadriplegia due to spinal cord infarction. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for potential treatment of this severe complication.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- A patient with a history of tracheal stenosis underwent cricotracheal resection with chin-to-chest sutures.
- The patient developed severe dyspnea and required re-intubation post-operatively.
Observation:
- The patient developed permanent quadriplegia on the sixth postoperative day.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed spinal cord edema.
Findings:
- High-dose intravenous steroids were ineffective in treating the spinal cord edema.
- The exact cause of spinal cord injury remains unclear, despite the absence of neck hyperflexion.
Implications:
- Permanent quadriplegia is a potential complication of cricotracheal resection with chin-to-chest sutures.
- Informed consent should include this risk, and daily postoperative neurological examinations are recommended.
- Prompt MRI and potential early steroid therapy may improve outcomes for spinal cord infarction.
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