A description of nonfatal spinal cord injury using a hospital-based registry.

摘要: To formulate an epidemiologic description of West Virginia spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting in hospitalization, we used data collected during the Spinal Cord Injury Registry’s first three years operation, July 1985 through June 1988, supplemented by from registries neighboring states. The registry was established to detect newly injured persons potentially need rehabilitation services. Because reporting is hospital based, records only patients surviving until hospitalization. overall incidence hospitalized SCI 25 per million year; sex-specific rate among men 4.6 times women. Age-specific rates peaked 15—24 age group and declined with increasing age. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for 69% all SCI; falls, 21%; sports, falling objects, violence, less than 10% each. Most cause-specific were highest young males; however, falls more common elderly. At least 25% victims drugs or alcohol shortly before injury, none auto truck reported wearing seat belts. Quadriplegia resulted 56% recorded patients, whereas paraplegia remaining 44%. summer months, on weekends, late afternoon hours. Both neurologic deficit time occurrence varied cause. Although limitations exist, has proved useful describing potential public health use guiding prevention programs.