Michael G Fehlings1, Richard G Perrin. 1. Division of Neurosurgery and Spinal Program, Krembil Neuroscience Center, Toronto Western Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based literature review. OBJECTIVE: To provide updated evidence-based recommendations regarding spinal cord decompression in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is controversial whether early decompression following SCI conveys a benefit in neurologic outcome. METHODS: MEDLINE search of experimental and clinical studies showing the effect of decompression on neurologic outcome following SCI. We focused on articles published within the last 10 years, with a particular emphasis on research conducted within the past 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 66 articles were retrieved. Animal studies consistently show that neurologic recovery is enhanced by early decompression. There was 1 randomized controlled trial that showed no benefit to early (<72 hours) decompression. Several recent prospective series suggest that early decompression (<72 hours) can be performed safely and may improve neurologic outcomes. A recent systematic review showed that early decompression (<24 hours) resulted in statistically better outcomes compared to both delayed decompression and conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There are currently no standards regarding the role and timing of decompression in acute SCI. We recommend urgent decompression of bilateral locked facets in a patient with incomplete tetraplegia or in a patient with SCI with neurologic deterioration. Urgent decompression in acute cervical SCI remains a reasonable practice option and can be performed safely. There is emerging evidence that surgery within 24 hours may reduce length of intensive care unit stay and reduce post-injury medical complications.
STUDY DESIGN: Evidence-based literature review. OBJECTIVE: To provide updated evidence-based recommendations regarding spinal cord decompression in patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is controversial whether early decompression following SCI conveys a benefit in neurologic outcome. METHODS: MEDLINE search of experimental and clinical studies showing the effect of decompression on neurologic outcome following SCI. We focused on articles published within the last 10 years, with a particular emphasis on research conducted within the past 5 years. RESULTS: A total of 66 articles were retrieved. Animal studies consistently show that neurologic recovery is enhanced by early decompression. There was 1 randomized controlled trial that showed no benefit to early (<72 hours) decompression. Several recent prospective series suggest that early decompression (<72 hours) can be performed safely and may improve neurologic outcomes. A recent systematic review showed that early decompression (<24 hours) resulted in statistically better outcomes compared to both delayed decompression and conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There are currently no standards regarding the role and timing of decompression in acute SCI. We recommend urgent decompression of bilateral locked facets in a patient with incomplete tetraplegia or in a patient with SCI with neurologic deterioration. Urgent decompression in acute cervical SCI remains a reasonable practice option and can be performed safely. There is emerging evidence that surgery within 24 hours may reduce length of intensive care unit stay and reduce post-injury medical complications.
Authors: Joong H Kim; David N Loy; Qing Wang; Matthew D Budde; Robert E Schmidt; Kathryn Trinkaus; Sheng-Kwei Song Journal: J Neurotrauma Date: 2010-03 Impact factor: 5.269