Early Decompression May Improve Neurologic Outcomes After Spinal Cord Injury

Decompression prior to 24 hours after SCI can be performed safely and is associated with improved neurologic outcome, according to a study published in Plos One.

Advertisement

Researchers performed a multicenter, international and prospective cohort study in adults aged 16 to 80 with cervical spinal cord injury. A total of 313 patients with acute cervical SCI participated. Of these, 182 underwent early surgery, at an average of 14 hours, with the remaining 131 having late surgery, at a mean of 48 hours.

Key findings include:
•    Of the 222 patients with follow-up available at six months post injury, about 19 percent of patients undergoing early surgery showed a greater than 2 grade improvement in American Spinal Cord Injury Association Improvement Scale compared to around 8 percent in the late decompression group;
•    The odds of at least a 2 grade ASIA improvement were almost three times higher amongst those who underwent early surgery as compared to those who underwent late surgery;
•    Complications occurred in about 24 percent of early surgery patients and about 30 percent of late surgery patients.

Sign up for our FREE Spine E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!

More Articles on Spine:

10 Recent Spine Studies & Research Findings
Texas Spine & Joint Hospital Recognized for Spinal Surgery
Houston Orthopedic and Spine Welcomes Drs. Amir Malik, Jerry Street & Navin Subramanian

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Spine

Advertisement

Comments are closed.