UPPER LIMB MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLICATIONS IN SYRINGOMYELIA: A REVIEW

Syringomyelia is a long-lasting disease, characterized by the formation of a syrinx, a tubular hole, or cyst in the spinal cord. The syrinx tethers and destroys the surrounding neural tissue, particularly within the cervical spinal cord, responsible for the upper limbs. As a result, these patients typically have various musculoskeletal issues related to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Such complications include muscle atrophy, joint deformity, neuropathic (Charcot) joints, contractures, and indirect spinal deformities (scoliosis). Loss of protective sensation and motor neuron involvement are the main contributors in these phenomena. Early in disease, musculoskeletal manifestations can occur and sometimes precede profound neurologic impairment. Early recognition of such complications is the key to diagnosis and a meaningful care. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and musculoskeletal complications of the upper limb in syringomyelia, with specific attention to orthopaedic relevance. This review identifies a lack of focused synthesis on upper limb musculoskeletal complication s in syringomyelia and highlights the need for early multidisciplinary intervention.