Role of Decompression in Late Presentation of Cervical Spinal Cord Disorders

This study investigates the effectiveness of surgical decompression in patients who present late with cervical spinal cord disorders. Often, in developing countries, patients arrive late for treatment due to various socioeconomic and infrastructural limitations. The research focuses on those patients who, due to unavoidable circumstances, present to medical facilities three months after the initial spinal cord injury. The study explores whether surgical decompression can still provide neurological benefits even when performed significantly after the initial injury, particularly in regions where delayed presentation is common.

• 1
  Anterior cervical decompression with interbody fusion is effective in improving functional outcomes, even in late-presenting incomplete quadriplegic patients.
• 2
  The use of anterior cervical plating minimizes the risk of graft failure and provides adequate stabilization.
• 3
  Decompression, even in late reported cases, provides the best chance for a favorable outcome, especially in posttraumatic cases without cord transactions.