The syndrome of acute central cervical spinal cord injury revisited.

Seven patients with acute central cervical spinal cord injury were operated upon during the subacute stages following injury, when their condition had improved and become stable for seven to ten days. Myelography in each case showed significant anterior compression of the spinal cord. The rapid improvement in function following the operation in these patients was gratifying and emphasizes the pathophysiological importance of spinal compression in this condition.