decompression

Central Cord Syndrome

Epidemiology

 

Most common pattern cord injury

 

Hyper-extension injury in middle aged man with osteoarthritic spine

 

Usually C3/4 and C4/5

 

Mechanism

 

Most common type / in older patient with pre-existing spondylosis / OPLL

- hyperextension injury

- compression of the cord

- anteriorly by osteophytes

- posteriorly by infolded ligamentum flavum

 

Lumbar Stenosis

DefinitionLumbar Stenosis

 

Reduction of space available for neural elements in spinal canal or intervertebral foramina

- due to degenerative changes, congenital abnormalities or both

- involves compression of the thecal sac or nerve roots

 

Epidemiology

 

Onset 50 - 60's

- M = F

- associated with onset OA spine

Cauda Equina

Definition

 

Compression of some or all of the nerve roots in the cauda equina

- bladder dysfunction

- bowel dysfunction

- saddle anaesthesia

- variable motor and sensory loss

 

Aetiology

 

HNP

- most common

 

Epidural haematoma

- post surgical

- spinals and anticoagulation