[Biomechanical method for the restoration of neurological function losses in tetraplegic and paraplegic patients using surgical relaxation of the injured spinal cord].
Recent follow-up studies of tetra- and paraplegic patients have revealed a wide range of dormant neurological functions which have persisted in the presence of apparently major disability. Workers in the UK and USA have succeeded in improving these functions by epidural electrical stimulation. Improvement is also achieved by spinal cord relaxation: thus, it may be deduced that nerve fibres had survived the initial injury undamaged but inactive. Their loss of conductivity arose from scars in traumatic intramedullary fissures typically produced by any compressive spinal cord injury which reduces the AP diameter of the cord by 25% or more. The development of intramedullary scar tissue causes the axis-cylinders to be pushed aside from their normal paths. In their new course, they have become both bent and stretched, resulting in adverse tension and thus loss of conductivity. With increasing distance from the scar, the greater the possibility of dormant conductivity. Clinical experience of surgically established spinal cord relaxation has shown that pathological tension in the axoplasm and the elastic membranes of nerve fibres can be relieved. This release of tension brings about a widespread restoration of function comparable to the results of epidural stimulation. Therefore surgical spinal cord relaxation appears to be indicated in any tetra- or paraplegic patient in whom dormant neurological functions can be demonstrated.
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002921:Cicatrix; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000601:surgery*; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000601:surgery*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000601:surgery*
Biomechanisches Verfahren zur Wiederherstellung neurologischer Ausfälle bei tetra- und paraplegischen Patienten mittels operativer Entspannung des traumatisierten Rückenmarks.