Two cases of Brown-Séquard syndrome in penetrating spinal cord injuries.
BACKGROUND
Brown-Séquard syndrome due to a stab injuries is uncommon and results from a lesion in one half of the spinal cord.


BACKGROUND
The role of surgery in the treatment of penetrating spinal injury often remain controversial.


OBJECTIVE
To discuss the current diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these types of injuries.


METHODS
The Authors describe two rare cases of Brown-Séquard syndrome due to civilian stab injuries differently treated. Mechanism of damage, clinical features and neurological outcome are reported.


RESULTS
The recovery of neurological function in the first case indicates that the spinal tracts were injured by a contusion, rather than by a direct injury as in the second case. Moreover, surgery was required in the second patient to remove the weapon and to stabilize the spine, presenting bony and ligamentous instability.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnostic and therapeutic management are debated. An overview on clinical research in sperimental medical treatment of spinal cord injury was considered to evaluate future possible approaches to these injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
As the neurologic improvement depends on the type and severity of the spinal cord damage, the indications for acute surgical management are limited and conservative management should be preferred.
UOSD Chirurgia Vertebrale del Trauma e dell'Urgenza, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna, Italy. luca.amendola@yahoo.it.
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Amendola
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Corghi
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Cappuccio
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De Iure
D000328:Adult; D018437:Brown-Sequard Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery