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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Spinal Cord Compression
Published on: May 7, 2019
Factors associated with early onset post-traumatic syringomyelia
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Beomeo, Mulgeum, Yangsan, Korea. drkohy@gmail.com
Spinal Cord
|April 11, 2012
Summary
Early onset syringomyelia after spinal cord injury (SCI) was not linked to injury severity, level, or surgical intervention. This retrospective study analyzed 502 patients, finding no significant associations with these factors for syringomyelia development within five years post-trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Post-traumatic syringomyelia is a potential complication following spinal cord injury (SCI).
- Understanding the factors contributing to early onset syringomyelia is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential predictors for the development of early onset post-traumatic syringomyelia within five years of sustaining a spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis was conducted on 502 patients with traumatic cervical or thoracic spinal cord injury.
- Patients underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for at least five years post-injury.
- Factors assessed included neurological injury level, injury severity, surgical intervention, and spinal canal dimensions (anteroposterior diameter, spinal reserve capacity).
Main Results:
- Syringomyelia developed within five years in 7.3% (37 out of 502) of patients.
- The mean age of affected patients was 44.6 years, with a mean onset interval of 38.8 months post-SCI.
- No statistically significant associations were found between syringomyelia development and injury level, severity, surgical treatment, or spinal canal encroachment (P≥0.05).
Conclusions:
- Early onset syringomyelia within five years of spinal cord injury does not appear to be associated with neurological injury characteristics or surgical management.
- Further research may be needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms or risk factors involved in post-traumatic syringomyelia development.
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