Original Article

Spinal Cord (2005) 43, 171–174. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101676 Published online 9 November 2004

Outcome of late surgical treatment in patients with incomplete paraplegia due to spinal degenerative diseases

Y Kasai1, D Shi1, T Sugimoto1, K Takegami1 and A Uchida1

1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mie University, Mie prefecture, Japan

Correspondence: Y Kasai, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu City, Mie prefecture 514-8507, Japan

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Abstract

Study design:

 

Retrospective analysis.

Objective:

 

To assess the outcome of late surgical intervention in patients with incomplete paraplegia due to spinal degenerative diseases.

Setting:

 

Three men and four women with cervical or thoracic spinal degenerative diseases, who preoperatively were unable to walk for more than 6 months in Mie prefecture, Japan.

Methods:

 

Review of clinical records and questionnaire survey regarding the walking ability of patients 2 years after surgery.

Results:

 

All seven patients were unable to walk postoperatively.

Conclusion:

 

A late surgical intervention may not lead to functional recovery in patients with spinal degenerative disease who were unable to walk for at least 6 months.

Keywords:

paraplegia, spinal degenerative diseases, surgery, gait

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