Case history/ examination
A 14-years-old male patient was transferred to the surgery department of
SourĂ´ Sanou teaching hospital from a peripheral hospital after falling
from a tree 15 hours ago. He complained of neck pain with weakness in
all four limbs. A cervical collar was applied before the transfer. He
was conscious and vital parameters such as respiratory rate, pulse rate,
blood pressure and oxygen saturation where within normal limits.
Neurological examination revealed a tetraparesia below the level of C5.
Muscle power in all four limbs was Grade 3/5 except both deltoids where
muscle power was normal. Skin sensation, bladder and bowel function were
preserved. Her preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)
Impairment Scale was D. There were no associated injuries to the chest,
abdomen and pelvis.