OBJECTIVES: Kinematic analysis, recognize the clinical presentation, describe image tests, consider therapeutic possibilities and assess progress. METHOD: Analysis of 13 male patients with SCIWORA (Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality) between 2005 and 2012. Evaluates clinical presentation, treatment, complications and outcome. RESULTS: 10 patients over 45 years showed signs of spondyloarthritis with minimal symptoms. Of the three with less than 45 years, only one had a constitutional asymptomatic stenosis. All had suffered low-energy trauma. In the magnetic resonance prevailed intramedullary haematoma and clinically all patients over 45 years had a central cord syndrome with severe symptoms (ASIA A-B). Seven patients were initially treated conservatively; one patient worsened and had to undergo surgery after 18 months and another died in the early hours; the remaining patients had good performance. Six patients required surgery (laminoplasty) in the first 10 days; three died and the remaining patients improved at least one ASIA level. CONCLUSIONS: The lower age, the mild cases and intramedullary edema are good prognostic factors and are favored by conservative treatment. The higher age, spondyloarthritis and severe or progressive conditions are factors of poor prognosis and may require surgical treatment.
Central cord syndrome; Treatment; Spinal cord injuries
