Traumatic cervical myelopathies. Effect of the operative timing and systemic complications on the functional outcome

: Results concerning 42 (38 males-2 females) cervical vertebro-medullary traumas are described in which early surgery was undertaken. 24.3% were operated within 24 hrs from trauma; 45% between 24 hrs and 7 days; 26% more than 7 days after: 69.3% during first week. Six patients died (5 of grade 1 in accordance with Sunnibrook; 1 of grade 2) within 30 days after trauma (5 during first week after surgery). These patients had more frequent systemic complications (56% respiratory and cardio-vascular insufficiency). Total mortality during one year was 22.7%. The neurological and rehabilitation observations support the opinion that early operated patients limitedly improved.