Cystic degeneration following severe spinal trauma. Clinical observations in 30 patients

Secondary, in most cases ascending neurological deterioration following severe spinal trauma has been known since the beginning of this century. The alterations are caused by cystic cord degeneration and probably are due to venous circulatory disturbances. In a review of the literature 680 cases were found. The present paper describes findings in our 30 patients. Modern diagnostic methods provide exact localization and evaluation of the cysts. These can then be drained microsurgically. Short-term success is good in many cases, long-term developments will be observed carefully. The functional loss of only one segment can, depending on the level of the original lesion, result in dramatic consequences for the patient.