This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal My Folders Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Newey, M. L. Articles by Fraser, R. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Newey, M. L. Articles by Fraser, R. D.

The long-term outcome after central cord syndrome

A STUDY OF THE NATURAL HISTORY

¹ Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, University of Adelaide, Bice Building Level 4, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000.
² Hampstead Spinal Rehabilitation Centre, 207–255 Hampstead Road, Northfield, South Australia 5085.

Correspondence should be sent to Professor R. D. Fraser.

We studied 32 patients with central cord syndrome who were managed conservatively. Six were under 50 years of age (group 1), 16 between 50 and 70 years (group 2) and ten over 70 years (group 3).

At the time of discharge all patients in group 1 could walk independently and had good bladder control compared with 11 (69%) and 14 (88%) in group 2 and four (40%) and two (20%) in group 3, respectively.

At follow-up after a mean of 8.6 years (4 to 15), ten patients had died leaving 22 in the study. All those in group 1 were alive, could walk independently and had bladder control. In group 2, 13 were alive of whom ten (77%) could walk independently and nine (69%) had bladder control. In group 3 only three were alive of whom only one was independent and none had bladder control.

Function at discharge as measured by the ASIA motor scoring system was usually maintained or improved at follow-up, but patients over 70 years of age at injury did poorly.