Background: Spinal cord herniation (SCH) is an uncommon cause of myelopathy. Documented trauma is a rare cause, and most cases are idiopathic. One special type of trauma that may lead to SCH is a brachial plexus injury. We report a case of SCH with delayed neurological symptoms after a brachial plexus injury. We reviewed the literature and illustrated the closing technique as described by Batzdorf.

Case Description: Following a motor vehicle accident, a 27-year-old male sustained a brachial plexus injury and multiple left-sided nerve root avulsions (C6, C7, and C8) resulting into a full paralysis of the left arm. There was also a loss of pain and temperature sensation on the right side of the body. He underwent reconstructive surgery without any functional improvement. After 6 to 7 years his condition worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left-sided SCH at the level of C7. He underwent a C6-C7 laminectomy which revealed a pseudomeningocele at C6-C7 accompanied by focal SCH at the location of the C7 root. The SCH was reduced intradurally and the dural defect of the meningocele was covered with a Neuropatch membrane wrapped around the spinal cord (between the spinal cord and the dura) according to the technique described by Batzdorf. Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms improved.

Conclusion: SCH should be surgically repaired utilizing the technique described by Batzdorf if further neurological deficits develop.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764918PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/sni.sni_329_17DOI Listing

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