Clinical Predictors of Neurological Outcome within 72 h after Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Scientific Reports, 2016 · DOI: 10.1038/srep38909 · Published: December 12, 2016

Simple Explanation

This study investigates factors that predict neurological outcomes within 72 hours of a traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI). The goal was to identify clinical predictors using data from 57 TCSCI patients. The severity of the spinal cord injury was classified using the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), and the relationships between various clinical factors and the AIS scores were analyzed. The study found that certain factors, like cord transection and C5 spine injury, are good predictors for complete/incomplete SCIs, while compression flexion injury mechanism (CFIM), C3 spine injury, and high energy injury are good predictors for motor complete/incomplete SCIs.

Study Duration

4 Years (Retrospective data from 2011, prospective data collection until December 2015)

Participants

57 TCSCI cases (22 retrospective, 35 prospective)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MRI Cord transection (MCT) cases showed complete SCIs when discharged.
2
C5 spine injury was negatively related to complete SCI.
3
C3 spine injury was negatively related to motor complete SCIs, and high energy injury was positively related to motor complete SCIs with CFIM cases removed.

Research Summary

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic values of clinical factors within 72 h after traumatic cervical SCI comprehensively. The results of our research indicate that cord transection in MRI is a good predictor for complete SCI, and C5 spine injury is a good predictor for incomplete SCI. In addition, CF injury mechanism and high energy injury are good predictors for motor complete SCI. C3 spine injury is a good predictor for motor incomplete SCI.

Practical Implications

Improved Prognosis

Early identification of key predictors can lead to a more accurate prognosis for patients with TCSCI.

Targeted Interventions

Understanding the relationship between injury characteristics and neurological outcomes can inform targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Refined Classification

Further classifications of injury mechanisms, particularly AO-Magerl classification, can be valuable for prognosis.

Study Limitations

1
The MRI images of all the cases in our study were conducted in different hospitals in China.
2
Different filming parameters and time post injury
3
The signal change especially the hemorrhage may not be appropriate for the prediction of final outcome.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury