S K Lau1, C K Chan, Y Y Chow. 1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report of a patient with thalassemia who had acute spinal cord compression at the T3 to T8 level and presented for treatment. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical decompression and transfusion therapy was chosen as the preferred treatment modality. RESULTS: Neurologic recovery was satisfactory from the immediate postoperative period, and full recovery was observed 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Clinical awareness is important for early diagnosis. Documentation with an imaging technique, such as magnetic resonance imaging, is mandatory. Optimal treatment is tailor-made and depends on the clinical situation and the expertise available.
STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report of a patient with thalassemia who had acute spinal cord compression at the T3 to T8 level and presented for treatment. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and surgical decompression and transfusion therapy was chosen as the preferred treatment modality. RESULTS: Neurologic recovery was satisfactory from the immediate postoperative period, and full recovery was observed 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Clinical awareness is important for early diagnosis. Documentation with an imaging technique, such as magnetic resonance imaging, is mandatory. Optimal treatment is tailor-made and depends on the clinical situation and the expertise available.