Does the timing of surgical decompression influence the neurological outcome after complete traumatic spinal cord Injury? A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.
J Clin NeurosciMay 27, 2026 (epub)
Hui Lee, Abdallah Abbas, Jin Tee et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of surgical decompression timing on neurological recovery in patients with complete traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Analyzing data from 12 studies with 664 patients, the findings indicate that early decompression (≤24 hours) significantly enhances the likelihood of neurological improvement, with patients being 1.66 times more likely to improve by ≥2 AIS grades.
Key findings
- Early decompression (≤24 h) increased the likelihood of improving by ≥2 AIS grades (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.13-2.46).
- Patients were 2.24 times more likely to recover by ≥3 AIS grades to AIS D or E (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.08-4.63).
- Subgroup analysis showed early surgery benefits for cervical complete tSCI (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.08-3.56).
Why it matters
The timing of surgical intervention in complete tSCI is critical, as early decompression can significantly enhance neurological recovery. Understanding these outcomes can guide clinical decision-making and improve patient prognoses.