Injury to the spinal cord without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) in adults

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000 Sep;82(7):1034-7. doi: 10.1302/0301-620x.82b7.10641.

Abstract

Injury to the spinal cord without radiological abnormality often occurs in the skeletally immature cervical and thoracic spine. We describe four adult patients with this diagnosis involving the cervical spine with resultant quadriparesis. The relevant literature is reviewed. The implications for initial management of the injury, the role of MRI and the need for a high index of suspicion are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Central Cord Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis
  • Longitudinal Ligaments / injuries
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quadriplegia / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Fractures / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / injuries