From the Research
Central cord syndrome is the most common type of incomplete spinal cord injury, with an estimated incidence of 4-6 cases per 100,000 population annually in the United States, as reported in the most recent study 1. The incidence of central cord syndrome is a significant concern, particularly in older adults, due to the presence of pre-existing cervical spondylosis, which narrows the spinal canal.
- The typical mechanism of injury involves hyperextension of the neck, often from falls or motor vehicle accidents in older individuals.
- In younger patients, high-energy trauma such as sports injuries or diving accidents are more common causes.
- The rising elderly population has contributed to an increasing incidence of central cord syndrome in recent decades, as age-related degenerative changes in the spine create vulnerability to this specific injury pattern even with relatively minor trauma. Key factors to consider in the management of central cord syndrome include the patient's clinical neurological condition, imaging findings on CT or MRI, history of cervical spondylosis, and comorbidity profile, as outlined in the study 1.
- A score-based approach to decision making in central cord syndrome has been proposed, allocating a numerical score for these factors to aid clinicians in choosing the best treatment for each patient.
- The use of a simple scoring system can help individualize treatment and lead to the best outcomes, as suggested by the study 1.