SPINAL CORD AND SYRINGOMYELIA AFTER TRAUMA: IMPACT OF AGE AND SURGICAL OUTCOME

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) and post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) pose challenges, requiring surgical intervention. Age influences outcomes, with younger patients often faring better due to physiological resilience. This study explores age's impact on surgical outcomes in PTS patients.

Methodology: A retrospective study with 200 participants examined age's role in surgical outcomes for PTS following SCI. Inclusion criteria comprised traumatic SCI diagnosis confirmed by MRI, PTS development confirmed by MRI, surgery for syringomyelia, 4-year post-surgery records, age 18+, and informed consent. Data included demographics, injury details, surgical records, and clinical outcomes.

Results: The study involved 200 participants, with a mean age of 45.6 years (SD ± 12.3), categorized into age groups: 18-30 (n=50), 31-50 (n=70), 51-70 (n=60), and 71+ (n=20). Pre-existing conditions were noted in 50% of the total population, with varying distributions across age groups. Mechanisms of injury, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and other causes, showed age-related variations. Surgical outcomes exhibited differences in the type of interventions and intraoperative findings among age groups. The mean timing of surgery post-injury varied across age groups, with associated intraoperative findings demonstrating spinal cord atrophy and other observations. Postoperative complications and reoperation rates also varied among age groups. Younger patients showed better neurological improvement post-surgery compared to older age groups.

Conclusion: Age significantly influences surgical outcomes, complications, and reoperation rates in PTS patients following SCI. Younger patients experience fewer complications and lower reoperation rates, often undergoing decompression alone. Understanding age-related differences is vital for tailoring surgical approaches and improving outcomes, especially for older patients.