Kyung-Jin Song1, Kwang-Bok Lee. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National University School of Medicine, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pneumorrhachis (intraspinal air) is usually asymptomatic. Therefore, most patients with pneumorrhachis usually are managed conservatively. Rarely, pneumorrhachis is symptomatic and associated with discomfort, pain, and neurological deficits. PURPOSE: To present a 72-year-old man who presented with progressive weakness of the lower extremities with a large amount of intraspinal air that compressed the spinal cord. STUDY DESIGN: A case report METHODS: Review of the medical record and radiographs. RESULTS: A C7 total laminectomy was performed, and the patient fully recovered 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSION: The possibility that neurological symptoms could be caused by non-traumatic intraspinal air should be considered.
BACKGROUND:Pneumorrhachis (intraspinal air) is usually asymptomatic. Therefore, most patients with pneumorrhachis usually are managed conservatively. Rarely, pneumorrhachis is symptomatic and associated with discomfort, pain, and neurological deficits. PURPOSE: To present a 72-year-old man who presented with progressive weakness of the lower extremities with a large amount of intraspinal air that compressed the spinal cord. STUDY DESIGN: A case report METHODS: Review of the medical record and radiographs. RESULTS: A C7 total laminectomy was performed, and the patient fully recovered 1 month after surgery. CONCLUSION: The possibility that neurological symptoms could be caused by non-traumatic intraspinal air should be considered.