Significant functional recovery after delayed evacuation of traumatic thoracic intramedullary hematoma: case report

A patient with traumatic thoracic intramedullary hematoma underwent operation 1 month postinjury. Evacuation and syringosubarachnoid shunting resulted in return of bladder control and of sufficient strength in the lower extremities to permit independent walking. The outcome is discussed in light of the literature on traumatic intramedullary hematoma. The value of magnetic resonance imaging is noted. We suggest an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach toward intramedullary spinal cord hematomas.