Central cord syndrome as a delayed postoperative complication of decompressive laminectomy

We report five cases of a central cord syndrome that appeared as a delayed surgical complication several days after decompressive laminectomy with the patient in the sitting position. Some episode of abnormal positioning of the neck or hypotension seems to have triggered the central cord syndrome. The patients improved slowly, but did not return to their immediate postoperative status. This complication probably can be avoided with careful mobilization after operation, with the avoidance of hypotension, and with the use of a firm collar during the first few postoperative days.