title: Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality in adult thoracic spinal trauma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) is a rare entity and usually involves the cervical spine. Thoracic spine involvement is very rare due to the stability provided by the rib cage. The mechanisms of injury and pathophysiology are still debatable.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case of an adult male who had road traffic accident and presented with paraplegia. The initial radiological investigations carried out in the emergency department were reported to be normal, however, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord contusion without vertebral column disruption. The patient recovered partially with conservative treatment measures including bed rest and methylprednisolone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spinal trauma patients presenting with neurological deficit but no radiological abnormality should be treated as a case of SCIWORA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Kavin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khatri
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Farooque
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Ankit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
keywords: Spinal Cord Injuries; Spine; Trauma