1. The literature on paraplegia complicating hyperextension injuries of the cervical spine is reviewed, and the lack of any definite explanation of the mode of interference with cord function is noted.

2. A case is described in which a detailed dissection of the post-mortem specimen was carried out. On the basis of the findings it is suggested that one cause of the suppression of cord function in such injuries is thrombosis of the spinal arteries and liquefaction-necrosis of the cord.