Adult spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality

Abstract

Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality is rare in adults. A case is described of a 61 year old man who fell 15 feet from a ladder striking his head on a wall who presented with neck pain and with motor and sensory neurological abnormalities in his limbs. Plain radiographs of the neck revealed no fractures or dislocations. Further imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an osteophyte fracture with associated cord contusion at the C5 level. Careful neurological examination is essential in all cases of potential spinal injury.