Central cord injury: pathophysiology, management, and outcomes.
BACKGROUND
Cervical spinal trauma can result in a heterogeneous collection of spinal cord injury syndromes. Acute traumatic central cord syndrome is a common category of which no uniform consensus on the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment exists.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and review potential pathophysiology, current treatment options, and management of central cord injuries.


METHODS
Comprehensive literature review and clinical experience.


METHODS
A systematic review of Medline for articles related to central cord and spinal cord injury was conducted up to and including journal articles published in September 2005.


CONCLUSIONS
Central cord injuries is a clinical definition which is composed of a heterogeneous population for which medical management and surgical decompression and stabilization provide improved neurologic recovery.
Harrop
James S
JS
Department of Neurosurgery, Jefferson Medical College, 909 Walnut St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. James.harrop@jefferson.edu
Sharan
Ashwini
A
Ratliff
Jonathon
J
D020210:Central Cord Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery