Outcome of Decompression Surgery Following Rapid Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury...

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) increase the likelihood of spinal cord injury without radiographic evidence of trauma (SCIWORET). Opinions regarding the optimal timing for surgery in such cases vary, however. We retrospectively investigated the demographics and outcomes of patients with SCIWORET who underwent surgery shortly after experiencing rapid neurological deterioration, and we matched patients who underwent standby surgery for CSM or OPLL. Although the optimal timing of surgery for SCIWORET remains unclear, our findings suggest that early stage surgery for SCIWORET may yield favorable neurological improvements.