Recovery from White cord Syndrome after Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion: A Case Report

This case report discusses a rare complication called White Cord Syndrome (WCS) that occurred after anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) surgery. WCS involves neurological deterioration due to reperfusion injury of the spinal cord. The patient, a 64-year-old female, experienced acute neurological deterioration after surgery. However, with early identification, high-dose steroids, and rehabilitation, she achieved complete neurological recovery after one year. The authors emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating WCS promptly to prevent permanent spinal cord damage. They also highlight the need to counsel patients about this potential complication before surgery.

• 1
  A 64-year-old female patient with a C5-C6 tubercular lesion experienced acute neurologic deterioration (ASIA A grade) after undergoing ACCF.
• 2
  Emergent imaging revealed no extrinsic causes for the deterioration, and MRI showed worsening of cord edema.
• 3
  Treatment with high-dose methylprednisolone and rehabilitation therapies led to dramatic improvement, with complete neurological recovery (ASIA E grade) at 1-year follow-up.