MRI confirmed cervical cord injury caused by spinal manipulation in a Chinese patient

Abstract

Objective: To report a rare case of cervical cord injury caused by spinal manipulation in a Chinese patient. Method: A 46-year-old man suffered from acute tetraplegia immediately after spinal manipulation by a bonesetter. There was nothing abnormal in the plain X-ray but Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of his cervical spine demonstrated cervical cord oedema at the level of C1/2. Result: The patient was treated with high doses of methylprednisolone. Coupled with intensive rehabilitation, the patient made a nearly complete recovery 6 months after injury. Repeated MRI demonstrated syrinx formation at the previous location of cervical cord oedema. Conclusion: Spinal manipulation may cause cervical cord injury. MRI is useful in the documentation of this injury and exclusion of other pathology.