Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Upper cervical injuries (C1‐C4) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical management aims to decompress the spinal cord, stabilize the spine and facilitate early rehabilitation. This study evaluated the outcomes of surgical management in patients with Upper cervical injuries. A prospective study of 10 patients with Upper cervical injuries who underwent surgical management at a single center was conducted. Demographic data, injury characteristics, surgical details and outcomes were analyzed. Neurological status was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) and functional status was evaluated using the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The mean age of the patients was 34.8±14.2 years, with an even distribution of injuries between the C1‐C2 and C3‐C4 levels. The mean time from injury to surgery was 5.2±2.8 days. At the last follow‐up, 70% of patients demonstrated an improvement in their AIS grade (p = 0.018). The mean SCIM and FIM scores improved from 28.4±12.6 and 52.3±18.4 preoperatively to 68.2±16.8 and 96.5±22.6 at the last follow‐up, respectively (p<0.001 for both). Significantly higher rates of AIS grade improvement, SCIM and FIM score improvements and lower incidence of postoperative complications in the early surgery group compared to the late surgery group highlight the importance of timely surgical management in this patient population. Surgical management of Upper cervical injuries can lead to significant improvements in neurological and functional outcomes. However, the Upper incidence of postoperative complications underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of these patients. Further research is needed to optimize management strategies and improve the quality of life for affected patients.
How to cite this article:
Rajesh Kr. Barooah, Nayan Jeet Deka and Angirash Bhattacharyya. Post Operative Outcomes of Upper Cervical Injuries: A Case Series.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.6.397.404
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.6.397.404