[Posttraumatic syringomyelia]

Communications on posttraumatic syringomyelia, a late sequel of complete or incomplete paraplegia or even tetraplegia, are rather infrequently in German literature. The problems of this well known complication occurring several months, years or even decades after a severe spinal cord trauma are discussed by two own cases. Both patients suffering from paraplegia developed signs and symptoms of posttraumatic syringomyelia 6 months and 3 years respectively after the accident. Case history and clinical findings correspond with reports in literature. Cystic degeneration in the cervical spinal cord could only be demonstrated in one patient by metrizamid -T-myelography combined with computerized tomography. The value of radiological and other technical investigations, pathogenesis, morphological findings and treatment are discussed.