Abstract
We have reviewed 21 cases with the clinical diagnosis of Post Traumatic Syringomyelia (P.T.S.). Fifteen of these cases had proven syrinx formation on Contrast Computed Tomography (C.C.T.) and the other 6 had obviously abnormal cords. A much earlier onset of P.T.C.M. was found in complete spinal injuries than in incomplete ones. We have discussed the technique of contrast computed tomography used at this hospital, its value in the diagnosis of this condition and its ability to define actual spinal cord structure. Most cases (91%) benefitted from surgery and several had marked sensory improvement, which previously has been described as unusual. Syringo-cisternal shunting, a new technique for the drainage of cervical and upper thoracic syrinxes is described.
A theory is proposed to explain why, in some patients with classical presentations of P.T.S., no syrinx was found on C.C.T., although abnormal cords were found in all cases. It is felt that these abnormal areas of spinal cord are responsible for the presenting symptomatology and may be precursors of syrinxes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Barnett H J M, Jousse A T 1976 Post Traumatic Syringomyelia (Cystic Myelopathy). Handbook of Clinical Neurology, North Holland Publishing Co. Vol. 26 p. 113-155.
Griffiths E R, McCormick C C 1981 Post Traumatic Syringomyelia (Cystic Myelopathy). Paraplegia 19: 81–89.
Maynard F M 1964 Post Traumatic Cystic Myelopathy in Motor Incomplete Quadriplegia Presenting as Progressive Orthostasis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 65: 30–32.
Quencer R M, Green B A, Lismont F J 1983 Post Traumatic Spinal Cysts: Clinical Features and Characterisation with Metrizamide Computed Tomography. Radiology 146: 415–423.
Shannon N 1981 Investigation and Treatment of Post Traumatic Syringomyelia. Journal of Neurology,Neurosurgens and Psychiatry 44: 35–42.
Vernon J D, Silver J R, Symon L 1983 Post traumatic Syringomyelia: The Results of Surgery. Paraplegia 21: 37–46.
Vernon J D, Silver J R, Ohry A 1982 Post Traumatic Syringomyelia. Paraplegia 20: 339–346.
Watson N 1981 Ascending Cystic Degeneration of the Cord after Spinal Cord Injury. Paraplegia 19: 89–95.
Williams B et al. 1981 Syringomyelia as a Sequal to Traumatic Paraplegia. Paraplegia 19: 67–80.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lyons, B., Brown, D., Calvert, J. et al. The diagnosis and management of post traumatic syringomyelia. Spinal Cord 25, 340–350 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1987.62
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.1987.62
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Treatment of posttraumatic syringomyelia: evidence from a systematic review
Acta Neurochirurgica (2020)
-
Post-traumatic syringomyelia producing paraplegia in an infant
Child's Nervous System (2008)