Abstract

LAUBSCHER, M et al. Bell's cruciate paralysis: a rare neurological diagnosis. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2012, vol.11, n.4, pp.43-47. ISSN 2309-8309.

Bell's cruciate paralysis is a rare incomplete spinal cord syndrome characterised by brachial diplegia. It is caused by an insult to the cervicomedullary junction of the spinal cord. We report three cases of cruciate paralysis following traumatic injury to the cervical spine. In all three cases the clinical diagnosis of cruciate paralysis was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The prognosis varies according to the underlying cause, but is generally good. The clinical diagnosis of cruciate paralysis helps localise the injury to the cervicomedullary junction.

Keywords : cruciate paralysis; brachial diplegia; cervicomedullary junction; incomplete spinal cord syndrome; decussation.

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