Abstract
To review the experience of managing central cord syndrome (CCS) surgically, we retrospectively
reviewed 71 patients from October 2015 to April 2017. Deteriorating neurologic status
with evidence of radiologic compression and spinal instability were absolute indications
for surgery. The American Spinal and Injury Association (ASIA) motor scores (AMS)
were recorded at the time of admission (aAMS), 3 days postoperatively (3dAMS), 1 month
postoperatively(1mAMS), and at final follow-up (fAMS). Analysis of variance was performed
to compare 3dAMS, 1mAMS, and fAMS. Surgery was successful in all 71 patients without
re-injury of the spinal cord, infection, or other perioperative complications. The
postoperative AMS at 3 days, 1 month, and at the final follow-up significantly improved
over preoperative scores. ASIA sensory scores at fAMS were significantly better than
3dAMS and1mAMS scores. The ASIA motor and sensory scores at 1mAMS showed no significant
improvements compared with the 3dAMS. Therefore, for patients diagnosed with CCS,
combined with evidence of radiologic compression and spinal instability, surgery was
beneficial in terms of gains in neurologic recovery.
Keywords
central cord syndrome - incomplete spinal cord injury - cervical spine - surgical
decompression
