The walking quad. Central cervical spinal cord syndrome

Fourteen patients with central cervical spinal cord syndrome (CCSCS) after traumatic cervical cord injury are described. All patients were conservatively treated and showed relatively good neurologic recovery. In our institution, CCSCS is much less common, and occurs in a younger age group than in other series. Hyperextension of the neck is not the most common cause of the injury; although the incidence of fractured or dislocated vertebra is higher than previously reported. In three cases, the CCSCS appeared after operative procedures using a posterior approach to the cervical spine.