Delayed hydrocephalus as an unusual complication of a stab injury to the spine

Abstract

Study design: Case report.

Objective: To report a rare complication following a stab injury to the upper cervical spine and cord.

Setting: National spinal injury unit in a Scottish university teaching hospital.

Case report: A 19-year-old male sustained a stab injury to his upper cervical spine, with a partial cord transection. After 5 months of rehabilitation, his condition deteriorated. CT scans showed hydrocephalus, which was treated by shunting. After shunting, the patient's condition improved but he remained tetraplegic requiring ventilatory support at night.

Conclusion: Hydrocephalus as a late complication of a cervical spine injury is rare but should be considered if the condition of the patient with an upper cervical spine injury deteriorates. The likely mechanism of the hydrocephalus development is also discussed.