Transposition of the Compressed Spinal Cord in Kyphoscoliotic Patients with Neurological Deficit

With Special Reference to the Vascular Supply of the Cord

¹ Correlative Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, University of Michigan Hospital and Medical School, Ann Arbor

There is a definite place for transposition of the spinal cord in selected cases of kyphoscoliosis with neurological deficit due to spinal-cord compression. In the three cases presented, there was recovery ranging from a considerable degree to complete restoration of normal function after operation.

The normal vascular supply of the spinal cord is discussed, and the two zones of poor collateral blood supply at the fourth thoracic and first lumbar cord levels are pointed out. Anterior transposition of the spinal cord without rhizotomy may be more desirable in these areas of critical blood supply.

Lateral transposition of the cord achieved by removal of bone and section of the nerve roots may be without danger between the fifth and ninth thoracic vertebral segments.

The three case reports are discussed with relation to the dangers of rhizotomy with associated vascular insufficiency to the spinal cord.

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