Outcome following acute spinal cord injury: A review of 198 patients

Abstract

The case histories of 198 consecutive traumatic spinal cord injured patients treated at the Mersey Regional Spinal Injuries Centre between 1975 and 1982 were reviewed. One hundred and seventy six were treated conservatively and 22 surgically. Functional outcome, complications, radiological reduction achieved and duration of initial hospital admission of the two groups are outlined. Prospective, multicentred trials are required to enable valid comparisons of treatments to be made. Patient expectations, state resources and local factors may determine which philosophy of spinal treatment is most appropriate for different centres in different countries. © 1988 International Medical Society of Paraplegia.