No abstract

The addition of IS to routine postoperative physiotherapy does not reduce the incidence of PPC after lung resection.

Abstract. A description is given of the syndrome of post-traumatic syringomyelia amongst patients with traumatic spinal injuries seen at the National Spinal Injuries Centre. The diagnosis was made on clinical grounds. It was confirmed wherever possible by neuroradiology prior to surgery; one case was confirmed only at post mortem. The incidence of the condition was found to be in keeping with other large series but, in contrast, no difference was found between the time of onset after injury between complete and incomplete lesions of the spinal cord. The commonest manifestation was pain, followed by sensory loss and rarely motor weakness. In the majority of patients the condition eventually became bilateral and in a significant number the lesion ascended to involve the trigeminal territory. The natural history of the condition was followed, and in all cases the condition gradually progressed. The pathogenesis of the condition is briefly discussed in view of the findings.

SUInInary. Between 1973 and 1982 twenty-seven patients with post-traumatic syringomyelia had operations performed to drain the cyst. Three types of operation were performed, cord transection, tube syringostomy to the sub-arachnoid space and tube syringostomy to the peritoneal cavity. Five patients developed proven blockage of their catheters. The results are presented. Pain was dramatically and gratifyingly improved in 14 patients. Motor power showed the most consistent improvement in 14 patients. Only eight patients showed sensory improvement; this was the least likely to improve. The progress of the condition could be arrested in the majority of cases, but a small number continued to deteriorate and required further operations.