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Cervical myelopathy in a special operations soldier
Warren Flautt1, Richard Westrick
1THOR3 Rehabilitation Coordinator, US Army Special Operations Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|March 3, 2015
Summary
A military special operator experienced bilateral upper extremity weakness. Advanced cervical spine degeneration and a C5-C6 disc extrusion were identified, suggesting spinal cord involvement.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- A 31-year-old military special operations combat unit member presented with bilateral upper extremity weakness and decreased hand dexterity.
- The patient's symptoms raised suspicion for spinal cord involvement, necessitating further investigation.
Observation:
- Physical therapy evaluation revealed significant bilateral upper extremity functional deficits.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed due to clinical suspicion of neurological compromise.
Findings:
- MRI results demonstrated advanced degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
- A large disc extrusion at the C5-C6 level was identified as a primary finding.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that cervical spine pathology, specifically disc extrusion, can significantly impact functional capacity in physically demanding professions.
- Early identification and management of cervical spine conditions are crucial for maintaining operational readiness in military personnel.
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing structural spinal abnormalities causing neurological symptoms.
