Podcast #312: SCIWORA

Author: Sam Killian, M.D. Educational Pearls:   Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA) is a diagnosis defined as traumatic injury to spine with clinical sx of traumatic myelopathy (paraplegia, paresthesias, FND) without radiographic abnormalities. Term was established in  1970’s before MRI and accounted for about 15% of injuries at the time (mainly children). Today SCIWORA accounts for about 10% of spinal injuries. Belief is that injury causes subtle movement of the spinal cord from its natural position with resultant contusion or ischemia with subsequent deficits. Treatment involves prolonged immobilization (up to 12 weeks).   References: Walecki, J. (2014). Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality (SCIWORA) – Clinical and Radiological Aspects. Polish Journal of Radiology,79, 461-464. doi:10.12659/pjr.890944