Korean J Neurotrauma.
2022 Oct;18(2):380-386. 10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e36.
White Cord Syndrome: A Reperfusion Injury Following Spinal Decompression Surgery
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea
- KMID: 2538477
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e36
Abstract
- Reperfusion injury of the spinal cord has been scarcely reported. Herein, we present a case of white cord syndrome after spinal decompression. A 61-year-old male, who initially had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament at C3-6 level, was admitted to our hospital with a ruptured disc at the C6-7 level. The patient experienced radiating pain in both upper extremities. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was performed. However, the patient developed quadriplegia. Emergency magnetic resonance imaging revealed a new and enlarged signal change in the spinal cord at the C4-7 level. Additional posterior decompression surgery was performed. After intense rehabilitation, the patient’s motor function improved to grade 4. White cord syndrome is likely due to reperfusion injury following operative decompression of a compressed spinal cord segment. Although rare, spine surgeons should be aware of this complication and warn patients preoperatively.
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