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Updated: May 27, 2025
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A Contusive Model of Unilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using the Infinite Horizon Impactor
Published on: July 24, 2012
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Cervicomedullary Spinal Cord Injury
Noah King1, Andrew Waack1, Ethan Kosco1
1University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Neurological Surgery, Toledo, Ohio.
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports
|February 17, 2025
Summary
This case report details a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) from a motor vehicle accident, resulting in cervicomedullary transection. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient experienced minimal neurological recovery, highlighting the challenges in managing complete SCI.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition often resulting from trauma, with prognosis heavily influenced by initial injury severity.
- Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic SCI.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old male sustained a complete SCI following a motor vehicle accident.
- Imaging revealed cervicomedullary transection due to C6-C7 facet distraction and C6 retrolisthesis on C7.
- The patient presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3.
Findings:
- The patient achieved limited neurological recovery, including eye tracking, facial expression, and unilateral trapezius function.
- Despite comprehensive treatment, significant neurological deficits persisted, consistent with a complete SCI.
Implications:
- This case underscores the poor prognosis associated with complete SCI, even with aggressive interventions.
- The unique mechanism of injury (C6 retrolisthesis on C7) provides valuable insights into cervicomedullary trauma management.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies for severe SCI is warranted.
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