Myelopexy: A novel technique in posttraumatic syringomyelia.

ABSTRACT

Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) is a well-reported phenomenon that usually takes place in the long-term course of patients following spinal cord injury. Different surgical procedures have been described spinal cordectomy is usually a last option technique, but might be an excellent choice in patients with severe spinal cord injuries. We present a young patient with complete spinal cord injury after spine trauma, who developed posttraumatic syringomyelia with progressive motor deterioration twelve years after fixation. We performed a novel surgical technique (myelopexy) with excellent resolution of syringomyelia, sparing the negative implications of complete cord transection. Some artistic illustrations made by one of the corresponding authors are included, to better understanding of operative details.