Age-specific characterization of spinal cord injuries over a 19-year period at a Japanese rehabilitation center

PLOS ONE, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195120 · Published: March 29, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in patients admitted to a rehabilitation center in Japan over 19 years. It examines factors like age, sex, cause of injury, and how complete the paralysis was. The study found that older adults with SCIs are increasing, often due to falls or diseases. Younger patients are more likely to have SCIs from traffic accidents or sports. The type of injury (complete or incomplete paralysis) and where it occurred (neck, chest, or lower back) also varied depending on the patient's age and the cause of the injury.

Study Duration

19 years

Participants

632 patients with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Longitudinal analysis

Key Findings

1
The ratio of older adults with SCIs increased over the study period, while the male:female ratio remained unchanged.
2
Road traffic accidents were the most frequent cause of injury, but high-distance falls exceeded RTAs during the 2009-2013 period.
3
Complete paralysis was more common in younger patients and those with traumatic injuries, while incomplete injuries were more prevalent in older patients and those with non-traumatic injuries.

Research Summary

This longitudinal study analyzed 632 patients with SCIs admitted to a rehabilitation center in Japan over a 19-year period (1995-2013). Patient characteristics and injury patterns were examined to understand risk groups and improve prevention strategies. The study found that the proportion of older adults with SCIs increased, and the causes of injury varied with age. RTAs were common overall, but falls and diseases became more prominent in older patients. The researchers concluded that age-specific strategies are needed to prevent and reduce the incidence of SCIs, considering the interrelatedness of patient age, injury cause, level, and extent.

Practical Implications

Targeted Prevention Programs

Develop age-specific prevention programs focusing on reducing traffic accidents and sports-related injuries in younger individuals and preventing falls in older adults.

Healthcare Planning

Anticipate the increasing needs of older adults with SCIs due to falls and diseases by allocating resources and developing specialized rehabilitation programs.

Public Health Initiatives

Promote public awareness campaigns about the risks of SCIs and the importance of safety measures, such as fall prevention strategies for the elderly.

Study Limitations

1
Potential for selection bias due to single-center analysis.
2
Inability to estimate regional SCI prevalence as not all patients were referred to the center.
3
The great Hanshin-Awaji earthquake of January 1995 greatly affecting medical systems.

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