A Syndrome in Acute Cervical Spine Injuries for which Early Operation is Indicated

Abstract

Trauma to the cervical spine may cause pressure on the spinal cord by a herniated intervertebral disk. Posterior displacement of the cord produces stress in its interior due to tension on the slender yet strong dentate ligaments (Kahn). The resulting syndrome consists of immediate complete paralysis with hypesthesia at the level of the lesion but with preservation of touch and retention of part of vibration sense. Early operation is advised.