Aging and Spinal Cord Injury: External Causes of Injury and Implications for Prevention

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2015 · DOI: 10.1310/sci2103-218 · Published: July 1, 2015

Simple Explanation

This study examines the causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in older adults compared to younger adults using data from the National SCI Database. It looks at how the injuries occurred, including environmental circumstances. The study found that falls are the most common cause of SCI in older adults, while transport accidents are more common in younger adults. The specific types of falls leading to injury in older adults were also analyzed. The findings highlight the need for effective fall prevention programs for the elderly to reduce SCI rates. The study's details on fall mechanisms can inform the development of targeted interventions.

Study Duration

September 2005 and September 2014

Participants

1,079 individuals older than 60 years and 3,579 individuals 16 to 45 years old

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Falls are the most common cause of SCI in the elderly (60%), followed by transport accidents (24%) and complications of medical/surgical care (12%).
2
Falls on the same level (30%) and falls from stairs/steps (22%) are the most common mechanisms of falls in the elderly.
3
Among motor vehicle accidents, collisions with another car are the most frequent cause of injury in the elderly (28%).

Research Summary

This study analyzed data from the National SCI Database to examine the external causes of spinal cord injuries (SCI) in older adults (over 60 years) compared to younger adults (16-45 years). The study aimed to identify environmental circumstances and injury mechanisms. The results showed that falls are the leading cause of SCI in the elderly, with most falls occurring at home due to slipping, tripping, or falling on the same level or from stairs. Transport accidents and complications of medical/surgical care were also significant causes. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for effective fall prevention programs among the elderly to reduce SCI. Details on fall mechanisms and other major causes of SCI should inform the development of future interventions.

Practical Implications

Fall Prevention Programs

Implement and improve fall prevention programs targeting older adults, emphasizing exercise and multifaceted interventions.

Home Safety Modifications

Encourage home modifications to reduce fall risks, such as removing clutter, improving lighting, and installing handrails.

Safe Driving Practices

Promote safe driving practices for older adults, including regular eye checks, medication reviews, and avoiding driving in bad weather or at night.

Study Limitations

1
Study participants were recruited from SCI Model System hospitals, which might not be fully representative of all persons with SCI in the United States and other countries.
2
The NSCID study population tends to underrepresent neurologically mild SCI cases, which are relatively common among older adults and often result from falls on the same level.
3
The ICD-10-CM coding structure does not capture the use of alcohol and drugs or the sequence of events (underlying versus direct mechanism) leading to the SCI.

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