Abstract:

Objective To explore the application of Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score in evaluation of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.
Methods From January, 2015 to December, 2021, 175 patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were analyzed. Gender, age, cause of injury, injury mechanism and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade were collected. The sagittal and axial T₂ weighted imaging (T₂WI) of the patients were evaluated with BASIC score, single/multi-segment injury, and with/without intramedullary hemorrhage. According to the injury mechanism, the patients were divided into two groups: with fracture/fracture dislocation (n = 92) and without fracture and dislocation (n = 83). The baseline demographic indicators and T₂WI evaluation indicators were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between AIS grade and BASIC score, intramedullary hemorrhage, single/multi-segment injury were investigated.
Results There were significant differences in gender, age and AIS grade, BASIC score, and the rates of inntramedullary hemorrhage and single segment injury of T₂WI between two groups (t = -10.276, χ² > 8.703, P < 0.01); however, no difference was found in the cause of injury (P > 0.05). The AIS grade was significantly correlated with the BASIC score (r = 0.790, P < 0.001). There was significant difference in AIS grade between intramedullary hemorrhage or not, and single/multi-segment injury (χ² > 5.516, P < 0.05).
Conclusion The BASIC score of T₂WI is a predictor of the severity of spinal cord injury after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury, and is different with the injury mechanisms.

Key words: traumatic cervical spinal cord injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, magnetic resonance imaging, Brain and Spinal Injury Center score