Acute spinal rigidity

Abstract

In each section of this chapter, relevant case histories from the literature illustrating structural, inflammatory or paraneoplastic causes of spinal rigidity are discussed to highlight the presenting and diagnostic features. Such cases are rare, and the importance of imaging cannot be overemphasised in cases of segmental rigidity where a spinal origin is supsected. Modern imaging techniques permit detailed anatomical examination of the spinal cord, making such diagnoses much simpler than in the past.