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The prognosis of patients sustaining severe cervical spine injury (C2-C7 inclusive)

Spinal Cord volume 18, pages 324–330 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

In a study of 145 patients with severe cervical spine injury, it was found that 79 had serious neurological disturbance. A policy of the earliest possible referral to a spinal paralysis service is recommended. Associated injuries and in particular a head injury can make early precise neurological diagnosis difficult, and may affect management of the spinal injury. The use of Gardner Wells Skull Tongs and the Edinburgh Simpson Bed is recommended. Early spinal operation does not influence outcome of neurological function. Anatomical re-alignment of the spine is not essential for neurological recovery. Myelography is very rarely of benefit in assisting diagnosis and treatment. Glucocorti-costeroids and Mannitol do not appear to influence neurological recovery.

The prognosis in relation to clinical neurological syndromes is discussed.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Spinal Paralysis Service, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and Edenhall Hospital, Musselburgh

    Phillip Harris, M Z Karmi, Elizabeth McClemont, D'Albert Matlhoko & K S Paul

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  1. Phillip Harris
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  2. M Z Karmi
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  3. Elizabeth McClemont
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  4. D'Albert Matlhoko
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  5. K S Paul
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Harris, P., Karmi, M., McClemont, E. et al. The prognosis of patients sustaining severe cervical spine injury (C2-C7 inclusive). Spinal Cord 18, 324–330 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1980.59

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1980.59

Keywords

  • Spinal cord injury
  • cervical cord syndromes
  • multiple injuries

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