Central cord syndrome

Abstract EN

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are classifi ed as complete or incomplete injuries.

Central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most common type of incomplete SCI.

The syndrome mostly occurs in older individuals with underlying cervical spondylosis caused by a hyperextension injury.

The neurological impairment is characterized by a disproportionate weakness of the upper extremities more than the lower extremities and may also include bladder dysfunction and varying degrees of sensory loss.

The natural history of the syndrome varies, with some patients experiencing complete spontaneous recovery and others having persistent neurological defi cits.

The role of surgical intervention remains controversial.

We present a case of an elderly patient with cervical spondylosis who underwent thoracolumbar spine fi xation and was complicated by CCS mostly due to hyperextension injury during surgery.