White Cord Syndrome: A Reperfusion Injury Following Spinal Decompression Surgery
10.13004/kjnt.2022.18.e36
- Author:
Jin-Shup SO
1
;
Young-Jin KIM
;
Jaewoo CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Neurosurgery, Dankook University Hospital, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
2022;18(2):380-386
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Reperfusion injury of the spinal cord has been scarcely reported. Herein, we present a case of white cord syndrome after spinal decompression. A 61-year-old male, who initially had ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament at C3-6 level, was admitted to our hospital with a ruptured disc at the C6-7 level. The patient experienced radiating pain in both upper extremities. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was performed. However, the patient developed quadriplegia. Emergency magnetic resonance imaging revealed a new and enlarged signal change in the spinal cord at the C4-7 level. Additional posterior decompression surgery was performed. After intense rehabilitation, the patient’s motor function improved to grade 4. White cord syndrome is likely due to reperfusion injury following operative decompression of a compressed spinal cord segment. Although rare, spine surgeons should be aware of this complication and warn patients preoperatively.
