Duroplasty for Injured Cervical Spinal Cord With Uncontrolled Swelling

About this trial

This is a clinical trial to test the effect on general neurological outcomes of a surgical procedure early after a cervical spinal cord injury. After SCI, the spinal cord has a natural reaction of swelling. The standard surgical procedure aims to reduce the pressure on the spinal cord by removing bony structures which help to decompress the spinal cord as it swells. This study explores the additional effect of the opening the membrane (dura) that surrounds the spinal cord to further reduce pressure due to swelling. Investigators will assess other effects of the surgical procedure including blood flow to the injured cord, energy use by its cells, and inflammation. If included, participants will randomly be assigned to one of two study groups: a) undergoing the standard bony decompression within 72 hours of SCI; or b) undergoing the bony decompression plus opening of the membrane surrounding the spinal cord (duroplasty). Final testing, including various measurements of motor function, will be performed after 12 months.