Unusual Cases of Spinal Cord Infarct Secondary to Fibrocartiliginous Embolism in Minor Injuries or Exercises; Review of Case Reports and Literature

Abstract

Spinal cord infarction, secondary to fibrocartiliginous embolism (FCE), are reported after a major traumatic injury, or surgeries that relate to the spinal cord and the back of the upper body, but are rarely reported with the activities that are usually minor. Spinal cord infarct, secondary to FCE in minor trauma or activity is quite common, and bears potentially devastating consequences. It is postulated that an acute increase in intra discal pressure embolizes disc debris retrogradely to the spinal artery, leading to spinal cord infarction. The main objective of this literature review is to present important cases of spinal cord infarction, secondary to FCE, during routine activities. Using the Ovid Medline, our search gave us eighteen published articles on FCE induced spinal cord infarcts in minor or routine activities. A clinical diagnosis of FCE would be desirable for many important reasons, as no single non-invasive investigation has been proven effective. This literature review is done to acquire a detailed knowledge about pathogenesis, clinical features, investigations, treatments and prognosis for FCE.