Pneumorachis: a possible source of traumatic cord compression

Abstract

The presence of air within the spinal canal secondary to trauma is a rare condition. These rare cases are generally asymptomatic. We report our first case of closed thoracic trauma with pneumorachis associated with neurological disorders. According to a review of the literature and after personal record analysis, neurologic symptoms can be correlated to the occurrence of intraspinal air. Therefore pneumorachis appears as a possible cause of traumatic spinal cord compression. In this particular case, pneumorachis spontaneously resolved and early outcome was favourable.