PARAPLEGIA IN HYPEREXTENSION CERVICAL INJURIES WITH NORMAL RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCES

Abstract

1) A case is reported of paraplegia with normal radiographic appearances in which cervical cord damage was shown at autopsy to have been due to hyperextension injury.

2) The mechanism of such injuries is discussed, together with the differential diagnosis from acute prolapse of an intervertebral disc.

3) The grave dangers of using the fully extended position of the cervical spine in the management of these cases is noted.