SCIWORA
Also written as: SCIWORA — Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality
Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality, a condition particularly common in pediatric patients due to the unique biomechanical properties of the developing spine.
Full Definition
SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality) refers to a clinical syndrome where patients present with signs and symptoms of spinal cord injury but have normal plain radiographs and CT scans. This condition is especially prevalent in pediatric populations due to the increased elasticity and flexibility of the immature spine, which allows for significant deformation without bony injury. The pediatric spine can stretch up to 2 inches before rupturing, while the spinal cord can only stretch about 1/4 inch before injury occurs. SCIWORA accounts for up to 70% of spinal cord injuries in children under 8 years old and requires immediate immobilization and MRI evaluation to assess for cord damage.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out the full form on first use; requires urgent MRI evaluation despite normal plain films.
In Context
- "The patient presented with lower extremity weakness following a fall, with normal cervical spine radiographs suggesting SCIWORA." — Emergency department note
- "MRI revealed cord signal changes consistent with SCIWORA despite normal CT findings." — Radiology report