Question
My friend suffered T3/T4 fractures and cannot move his legs. After 6 weeks,
he can wiggly his toes and move one foot. His chart said "distended cortex"
which upset him because he didn't know what it meant. What are his chances
of regaining his ability to walk? What is distended cortex? How long might
rehab take before he can walk, if it is a possibility. Doctors say maybe in 3
weeks he will be able to walk, but his muscles have atrophied. Any
information you can provide is much appreciated.

Answer
hi cheryl-

If your friend just broke the bones at t3, 4 then he may be able to walk again. Likely the swelling in that area is causing pressure on the nerves which accounts for his not being able to move. Sometimes the swelling in the spinal region is slow to heal.

Rehab will help him get the muscles in his legs back- the more exercise the better.

"distended" just means swollen. the "cortex" is a part of your brain. sounds like he may have had some sort of brain trauma?

Hope this helps, and good luck to you both!
leslie