Q: What does SCIWORA means in trauma?


Answer: Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality 

It is the presence of neurologic deficits in the absence of technically adequate radiological workup including MRI. It may be due to ligamentous injuries, disc prolapse or cervical spondylosis. It is thought to be limited to pediatric patients but more and more cases have been described now in adults.

Clinical significance; Patient complain of pain and clinical findings take precedence over any radiological workup and strong vigilance, precaution and management should ensue to minimize damage from spinal cord injury.



Reference: 

Yucesoy K, Yuksel KZ. SCIWORA in MRI era. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2008; 110:429.