Early decompression and neurological outcome in acute cervical spinal cord injuries

To evaluate the effect on neurological outcome of spinal core compression persisting after a closed injury, the authors reviewed 44 of 62 consecutively managed cases of cervical spinal cord and spine injuries at C3-7, inclusive. Decompression within 48 hours of injury confirmed by myelography or open reduction. Neurological status, graded numerically on a spinal trauma scale at admission and at follow-up review (an average of 1 year +/- 2 months after admission), and precent recovery of neurological deficit were compared to canal narrowing (22 severe, greater than or equal to 30%, versus 22 moderate, 11% to 29%; or mild, less than or equal to 10%) and to delay before treatment (30 within 8 hours of injury versus 14 treated 9 to 48 hours after injury). Severe narrowing was equated with compression. Status at admission and at follow-up review was positively correlated. Patients with admission scores of less than 2 recovered a mean of 15% of their deficit, while those with scores more than 2 recovered a mean of 77%. Admission status correlated significantly with spinal canal narrowing but not with vertebral body displacement. Time of treatment had no significant effect upon admission status and percent recovery. No significant difference in the percent of recovery was noted, whether decompression was early (up to 8 hours) or late (9 to 48 hours) after injury. Surgery did not significantly alter the percent of recovery. The findings indicate that the initial injury to the cervical spinal cord and spine remains the primary determinant of neurological outcome. Severe canal narrowing with cord compression thereafter appears to have comparatively little effect. The conclusion that decompression is without effect is not possible without comparison with a group of patients whose spinal canals remained narrowed at follow-up review.