Fig. 2

Postoperative follow-up MRI scans of the thoracic spine. A, B Axial and sagittal T2-weighted MRI imaging of the surgical site. The spinal cord is reduced to its normal anatomical position, and the bovine pericardium graft was circumferentially covering the dural surface and the ventral dural defect. C, D Sagittal and axial T2-weighted MRI imaging of the follow-up MRI scan 2 months postoperatively showing contusion and myelomalacia in the spinal cord rostrally and caudally. E, F: Sagittal and axial T2-weighted MRI imaging of the follow-up MRI scan 8 months postoperatively. Images show remission of the contusion and myelomalacia. The patient’s neurologic status improved dramatically