Most common pattern cord injury
Hyper-extension injury in middle aged man with osteoarthritic spine
Usually C3/4 and C4/5
Most common type / in older patient with pre-existing spondylosis / OPLL
- hyperextension injury
- compression of the cord
- anteriorly by osteophytes
- posteriorly by infolded ligamentum flavum
C5, 6 from Upper trunk
Posterior triangle
- arises upper trunk and passes backward through posterior triangle
- under belly of omohyoid
- deep to trapezius to the suprascapular notch
Runs through suprascapular notch
Reduction of space available for neural elements in spinal canal or intervertebral foramina
- due to degenerative changes, congenital abnormalities or both
- involves compression of the thecal sac or nerve roots
Onset 50 - 60's
- M = F
- associated with onset OA spine
Compression of some or all of the nerve roots in the cauda equina
- bladder dysfunction
- bowel dysfunction
- saddle anaesthesia
- variable motor and sensory loss
HNP
- most common
Epidural haematoma
- post surgical
- spinals and anticoagulation