Neuroradiology of the Sequelae of Spinal Cord Trauma

Summary

More than 850 patients with acute injuries to the spinal cord were explored by means of neuroradiological procedures (1954–1981). The sequelae of cord damage were assessed in 125 of these patients and the results of neuroradiological examinations correlated with the surgical or autopsy findings. Such opportunities to demonstrate the changes that follow the acute phase of a spinal cord injury are infrequent because of a lack of centralized team care and continuity of follow-up. Chronic post-traumatic changes, induced by mechanical kinetic or non-mechanical energies, were demonstrated after a long period of time, occasionally after two to ten years. They were classified into six groups. Disturbances of arterial circulation are emphasized as a major source of aggravation of the post-traumatic state of the spinal cord.