The effect of early high-does MP treatment in cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation on its functional recovery

Objective To investigate the effect of using high-dose methylprednisolone(MP) early on functional recovery of patients after cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation(CSCIWFD). Method From December 2009 to September 2013, 30 patients were enrolled in this study.The patients were assigned to 2 groups: 16 patients constituting group A were applied high does of methylprednisolone combined with anterior decompression operation, while 14 patients who can not be applied methylprednisolone due to various reasons constitute group B and underwent the anterior decompression operation only. The JOA score and improvement rate of spine function in the two groups at the time of admission and 3 weeks after operation were compared.Result Comparing JOA scores on admission and 3 weeks as well as 6 months after operation, the JOA score and improvement rate of the spinal cord function 6 months after operation in group A was found better than that in group B 6 month.Conclusion CSCIWFD,as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury,should be diagnosed as soon as possible according to the physical examination before X-ray and CT showed fracture or dislocation. When this injury was diagnosed, high doses of MP should be applied according to NASCIS Ⅲ role in order to obtain the best recovery of spinal cord function in the patients.