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Updated: May 4, 2026
A Novel Vertebral Stabilization Method for Producing Contusive Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: January 5, 2015
Cervical spinal cord injury after thoracic spinal instrumentation: a case series
Sylvester T Youlo1, Michael T Merrick, Jeffrey A Cassidy
1*Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin/American Family Children's Hospital, Madison, WI; and †Pediatric Orthopaedics, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
Study Design:
Retrospective case report of 2 cases.
Objective:
To describe 2 cases of cervical spinal cord injury/vascular insult after posterior instrumentation of thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis.
Summary Of Background Data:
Spinal cord injury is an uncommon but well-documented complication associated with spinal deformity surgery. The midthoracic spinal cord is most vulnerable to these presumed vascular insults. Injuries above the level of instrumentation are rare.
Methods:
In this report, we review the clinical histories of 2 adolescent females undergoing posterior spinal fusion with subsequent cervical spinal cord injuries.
Results:
In both cases, intraoperative cervical alignment appeared neutral and all hardware appeared appropriately positioned. Spinal cord monitoring demonstrated changes in 1 patient but not in the other. With time, both patients improved clinically.
Conclusion:
Cervical spinal cord injuries may occur after distal deformity correction.
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