The Pathological Findings in Traumatic Injury to the Human Spinal Cord

The anatomical pattern of damage following upon traumatic injury to the human spinal cord is dependent upon the manner in which the injury is sustained. Hyperflexion typically results in anterior spinal cord injury, hyperextension in central spinal cord injury, stab wounds in hemisection injury, and complete crush in total spinal cord injury. Secondary lesions may appear hours to years later and may result in serious additional disability. The presence of congenital spinal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament may greatly enhance the likelihood of damage following blunt injuries to the spine.