J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1992 Jun;21(6):622-628.

Clinical Analysis of Lower Cervical Spine-Injuried Patients

• Park YR
• Hong SK
• Hu C
• Kim HJ
• Han YP

Abstract

The authors analyzed 32 cases with lower cervical spine injuries according to their etiologies, the findings of cervical spine X-ray and computed tomography, initial neurological grading scales and time of operation. The results are summarized as follow: 1) Lower cervical spine injuries occurred in 32 of the 49 cervical spine injuried patients. 2) The important factors affecting on outcome were the initial neurological state(p=0.038) and the degree of spinal canal narrowing on cervical computed tomogram(p=0.046). 3) The degree of prevertebral soft tissue swelling and displacement of vertebral body on initial cervical spine X-ray did not significantly affect on outcome(p=0.052). 4) The most suitable operative time for lower cervical spine injuries was 10-20 days after injuries, and the mortality was 9.3%.

Keyword

Lower cervical spine injury; Initial neurological state; Outcome; Plain cervical X-ray; Computed tomography

MeSH Terms

Humans
Mortality
Operative Time
Spinal Canal
Spine
Weights and Measures