Recovery of a complete cervical spinal cord injury with tetraplegia
Roy-Camille, R.; Benazet, J.P.; Saillant, G.; Judet, T.; Billot, C.
Revue de Chirurgie Orthopedique et Reparatrice de l'Appareil Moteur 67(7): 685-690
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-1040 PMID: 6459618 Document Number: 176501
The prognosis of a complete cervical spinal cord injury is based on an accurate initial diagnosis and on immediate treatment in order to release the medullary compression and stabilise the spine. The diagnosis of a complete traumatic quadriplegia depends upon a thorough neurological examination, particularly noting sensation and motor power of the sacral segments, looking for a sacral sparing which is a sign of a better prognosis. The authors analysed a well documented case of progressive recovery obtained after nearly immediate open reduction and synthesis of a C1 C2 fracture-dislocation with complete quadriplegia.