Width and neurophysiologic properties of tissue bridges predict recovery after cervical injury

This study investigates the relationship between preserved tissue in the spinal cord after injury and a patient's recovery. Specifically, it looks at 'midsagittal tissue bridges,' which are areas of remaining neuronal tissue. The study uses MRI scans to measure the width of these tissue bridges and electrophysiological recordings to assess nerve function. The goal is to determine if these measurements can predict sensory and motor recovery after a cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). The findings suggest that wider tissue bridges, particularly in specific areas (dorsal and ventral), are associated with better sensory and motor function recovery. This indicates that these tissue bridges play a crucial role in nerve communication and recovery after SCI.

• 1
  Greater width of dorsal midsagittal tissue bridges was associated with being sensory incomplete at 12 months, shorter SEP latencies, and greater SEP amplitudes.
• 2
  Greater width of dorsal tissue bridges predicted better light-touch score at 12 months, independent of baseline clinical score and ventral tissue bridges.
• 3
  Greater width of ventral midsagittal tissue bridges was associated with being motor incomplete at 12 months, shorter MEP latencies, and greater MEP amplitude to CMAP amplitude ratios.