02/03/2023
Sciwora ( spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality) injury are common in cervical spine. Patient have neurological deficit but the x-rays appear normal. Mri sometimes reports cord edema/contusion. Sometimes trivial looking injury are so grave that can have devastating results and permanent neurological deficit and even death. Proper timely intervention can be life saving.
Young male presented similarly with Cervical Spine Injury with Quadriparesis , Difficulty to move both upper LIMB and lower LIMB. X rays were normal. .
MRI was done and showed contusion with oedema at c5c6 and c6c7.
On detailed examination localised tenderness present.. Features of instability present .. Difficulty in neck rotation. Severe neck pain with difficult neck holding and could not sit due to severe pain and discomfort in neck.
He was decided to get operated from anterior aspect neck. On positioning c6c7 vertebrae started subluxating. PER OP C6C7 disc was disrupted with torn annulus. ANTERIOR cervical disectomy and fusion was done at c6c7 level.
DRAMATIC improvement in patient from 2nd post of day .. POWER started improving, HE was able to hold neck with confidence ,, TAKING diet ( semi solid) easily and speaking confidently and clearly.
THUS finally a happy patient and family giving thanks and gossiping with equally happy surgeon at the end.
