Although spinal cord injury (SCI) has historically been a disease of young adult males, a progressive increase in the incidence of SCI among the elderly has been reported over the past several decades. More than 70% of SCI patients sustain multiple injuries with spinal cord trauma, contributing to a high rate of complications both acutely and long-term. SCI is associated with significant reductions in life expectancy.

Patients who survive the initial injury face significant risks of medical complications for the rest of their lives. More than half of all SCI patients will develop complications during the initial hospital stay; higher rates correspond to increased injury severity, the presence of associated traumatic brain injury, and cerebrovascular damage occurring with cervical spine injury. For the trauma/acute care surgeon managing SCI patients during the acute phase of injury, respiratory distress and shock are of primary concern.

Professor Michael George Fehlings is giving “Spinal Cord Injury” lecture, don’t miss it!

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